Earthquake response plan approved

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The Board of Supervisors today approved a comprehensive earthquake response plan, establishing guidelines for immediate response and early recovery from a major seismic event including specific actions to be taken by county staff, emergency response personnel, and other agency partners. The plan by the Department of Emergency Management will serve as a supplement to the county’s overall Emergency Operations Plan, which was revised in March following several years of damaging wildfires.

“It’s not if we will have an earthquake, but when we will have one,” said Supervisor James Gore, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “While the Board is excited to formally adopt the county’s earthquake response and recovery plan, it's also a good reminder for everyone to have their individual and family emergency plans updated.”

In March, the Board adopted the county Emergency Operations Plan which outlines specific actions the county and operational area partners take during an emergency to protect the whole community. The emergency plan was the first in the state to incorporate cultural competency. The plan was developed with feedback from local community members and organizations to resolve issues related to cultural responsiveness. 

The Department of Emergency Management worked with partners to develop the earthquake response plan as a guide for each phase of a crisis situation such as the first four hours, first 12 hours, etc. Plan specifics include alert and warning use, fire suppression, hazardous material response, up to and including transitioning from the immediate response to more sustained recovery and assessing damages. The plan information ranges from first-priority emergency response and information on recovery guidance to utility restoration, debris removal, interim housing and disaster assistance programs for affected residents.

“Our team worked diligently with partner agencies to create this regional earthquake response and recovery plan, which will ensure we are better prepared to assist our residents in the event of a major earthquake” said Chris Godley, director of the Department of Emergency Management. “Our department is ready to work with stakeholders, community-based organizations and other government entities to ensure our residents have access to information and resources to aid in the recovery of this type of emergency.”

The Department of Emergency Management works collaboratively with partner agencies to develop emergency response plans. These plans provide the framework for the coordinated emergency work among community agencies including counties, cities, special districts, regional, state, tribal, and federal partners. 

Learn more about the county’s emergency response plans at: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/emergency-management/plans 

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Media Contact:
Sylvia Lemus, Communications Specialist
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040 
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403