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1. What does being a disaster service worker mean?

California Government Code Section 3100-3109 states (in part) in protection of its citizens and resources, all public employees are hereby declared to be disaster service workers

After an emergency, you may be asked to continue your regular duties, report to an emergency operations center or support various response and recovery efforts. Some tasks may include supporting an emergency hotline, setting up or staffing a shelter or donation center, staffing barricades or administrative duties. If you cannot make it to your normal place of work, you may be asked to report to a local site as a disaster service worker.

As a disaster service worker, it is your responsibility to make sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency. Please assure you have a plan and supplies in place. 

Emergency work may not be during your normal work hours or at your normal work location.

2. What are my main responsibilities relating to disasters and emergencies?

Make and practice a personal/family emergency plan. Be prepared at work and home. Know your role in the city’s emergency response plan as a disaster service worker, emergency operations center staff or front line response. Know local emergency procedures. Assure you are informed by signing up for SMCAlert and following official city social media sites.

3. What can I do to make my neighborhood safer?

Organize, communicate and plan! Consider organizing a GET Ready training for your HOA or neighborhood group. Consider joining your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Know who around you may need extra assistance during an emergency and who may have a safe place to be. Talk with your neighbors about your concerns. Develop a meeting place or sign system so you can help account for each other and get help to those that need it.

4. If I need to stay at work during an emergency, how will I know my family is safe?

Develop a family emergency communication plan. Text messaging will often succeed when voice calls cannot. Identify an out of area contact that everyone can contact when needed. Know your child’s care facility or school’s emergency and reunification plan.

5. What are my main responsibilities relating to disasters and emergencies?

Make and practice a personal/family emergency plan. Have a go-bag at work and at home. Assure you have an emergency kit at home. Know your role in the City’s emergency response plan whether you will serve as a disaster service worker, emergency operations center staff or field responder. Know local emergency procedures. Be signed up to receive emergency alerts.

6. How do I update my emergency contact information?

To update your emergency contact information, please contact the Human Resources Division.