ADA National Network Learning Session: California's Emergency Plans for Wildfire Season in a COVID19 Environment

This presentation will focus on plans for fire season and specifically address California's efforts regarding practicing integrated emergency communication, transportation/evacuation, and sheltering in a COVID-19 environment.

Learning objectives:

• Understand effective techniques on how to achieve key Emergency Preparedness goals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Presenters:

J.R. Antablian (Bureau Chief for Field Operations, Disaster Service Branch, CDSS) oversees all mutual aid regions in California for the Mass Care Coordinators throughout the state. J.R. has copious amounts of Emergency Management experience, beginning his civil service career in 2008 at the Governor's Office of Homeland Security prior to the formation of Cal OES.

Elizabeth Basnett (Assistant Secretary, CHHS) works across the twelve State Departments on emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Previously, Elizabeth worked for the State of Missouri as the Chief of Planning and Preparedness where she focused on operationalizing policies and programs to effectively meet the need of the citizens most at risk.

Brian Ferguson (Deputy Director for Crisis Communication and Public Affairs, Cal OES) is responsible for all public communication, education, and media relations during response, recovery, and in preparation for disasters and emergencies.

Eric Lamoureux (Assistant Director for Response, Cal OES) oversees both statewide and regional operations that include the State Operations Center, the California State Warning Center, and the Cal OES Inland, Coastal and Southern Regional offices.

Vance Taylor (Chief of the Office of Access and Functional Needs, Cal OES) is responsible for ensuring the needs of individuals with disabilities and persons with access and functional needs are identified before, during, and after a disaster, and integrating disability needs and resources into emergency management systems.