SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL

 

Topic: EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES IN A DECLARED DISASTER 
Section: INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PGM. 
Number: XX.13. 
Date Issued: 10/4/94
Date Revised:

PURPOSE:

To outline Santa Cruz County employee responsibilities during a disaster as required by law.

LEGAL BASIS:

All government employees are Disaster Service Workers as stated in California Government Code, Chapter 8, Division 4, Title 1, Section 3100.

POLICY:

County employees have an added responsibility to the particular job for which they were hired. Under the declaration of a disaster, all government employees are Disaster Service Workers by state law. That means that, in addition to everyday duties and tasks, employees have the added and extremely important role of helping the community during any disaster which may occur.

Some departments have a clear public safety responsibility in terms of their staff's disaster response roles and responsibilities (i.e. County Fire, County Sheriff). For other departments, depending on the magnitude of the disaster, employees may be called in to support the County's emergency response in work outside of their normal job scope. 

Because disasters can strike suddenly and without warning, it is important that everyone is trained and prepared beforehand for an emergency response role. It is each department's responsibility to provide employees with a basic understanding of what the department's disaster duties may be and to insure that there is an established emergency phone tree to insure all departmental employees can be contacted. Additionally, there are several things which employees can do to function more effectively, not only as individuals, but also as a Santa Cruz County employee.

PROCEDURE:

Being prepared for a disaster beforehand is extremely important. Therefore, it is recommended that employees look at the following disaster preparedness areas. Employees should take time NOW to prepare for themselves and their families so duties as a Disaster Service Worker can be fulfilled with a minimum of delay and worry.

  1. Reduce hazards at home and in the work place. Be on the lookout for potentially hazardous items which can cause injury, such as tall book cases, large windows, unsecured items overhead and unsecured hazardous materials.

  2. Prepare a personal or family plan. One of the first concerns will be the individual's family. Questions, such as, "Are they injured?" or "Where are they?" will become pressing concerns. Since family members will not know where they will be when a disaster strikes, there must be a decision beforehand regarding actions each family member will take and how the family will be reunited. Practice the plan regularly. Information and instruction on developing family, work, school and day care plans is available through the Emergency Services Department. Additionally, employees need to be familiar with their particular department's protocols for response (i.e. rotating staff so that employees can take turns checking on family members).

  3. Store supplies. Bottled water, high energy snacks and other preserved food items not requiring heating or cooking are good to keep handy. A list of recommended supplies is available from the Emergency Services Department.

  4. Learn First Aid and CPR. In a disaster, emergency medical assistance and personnel will be needed everywhere. Normal health care facilities may not be available. Learn how to take care of those who are injured. Knowledge and abilities may make the difference between life and death for family members and others. The local Red Cross and County Training Task Force offer regular sessions.

In summary, County employees must know and understand their role in the departmental emergency plan. Some departments respond to traditional roles. Other departments will be required to perform not only their day to day tasks but to support the activities in the County's Emergency Operations Center. These support roles are dependent upon the scope and requirements of the particular disaster.

Santa Cruz County's history has taught us that we can survive and recover from a wide variety of disasters. However, EACH EMPLOYEE'S WORK IS ESSENTIAL to a successful recovery. For more information about personal and family preparedness and/or to schedule training for the department or neighborhood, employees can contact the County Emergency Services Department.