Memorandum
Date: March 8, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Luke Bingham, Sheriff/Coroner/Director of Emergency Services
Subject: (a) Consideration of the draft County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and
(b) Direction to staff as needed with a plan to return on April 22, 2025 for
approval.
Executive Summary: : The Lake County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services has completed the update of the County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). The plan was approved for release to public comment and incorporation of minor suggestions by the Lake County Disaster Council on October 21, 2024. It was publicly posted for comment during December 2024 as part of a structured review process that began in 2023 and included:
• A survey of County staff to gather input on emergency management roles and responsibilities.
• Input from Operational Area Coordinators, ensuring alignment with regional emergency response efforts and a focus on Access and Functional Needs (AFN) inclusion to enhance accessibility.
• A 30-day public review period, including a press release and web posting for transparency and accessibility.
• The opportunity for County staff to review via an all-staff email, inviting broader internal feedback.
• Targeted outreach to department heads, including the County Administrative Office, for departmental input.
The EOP provides a comprehensive framework for emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation in Lake County. Board of Supervisors’ approval is required to formally establish it as the County’s guiding emergency management policy. The EOP also serves as the foundation for both hazard-specific and functional annexes, which are working documents that provide operational guidance on specific response actions, such as wildfire, mass care, and emergency communications. These annexes will be continuously updated to reflect evolving best practices and operational needs.
Maintaining a current, Board-approved EOP enhances Lake County’s eligibility for funding opportunities. Programs such as the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) prioritize jurisdictions with an up-to-date EOP. Additionally, a formally adopted EOP strengthens the County’s position in securing FEMA Public Assistance and other post-disaster reimbursements by demonstrating compliance with state and federal emergency planning standards.
Key Components of the EOP
• Multi-Agency Coordination: Defines roles, responsibilities, and collaboration among county departments, cities, special districts, and community partners.
• Whole-Community Approach: Addresses the needs of all residents, including vulnerable populations, through coordinated emergency preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
• Compliance and Integration: Aligns with state and federal emergency management guidelines to enhance operational efficiency and resource sharing.
• Ongoing Training and Exercises: Establishes a framework for regular updates, training, and exercises to ensure preparedness.
Implementation and Next Steps
Upon adoption, the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) will serve as the County’s guiding emergency management document, providing direction for emergency preparedness, response, and coordination. County departments and agencies are expected to:
1. Familiarize themselves with the EOP, understand their roles and responsibilities, and provide signature on the Plan Concurrence and Distribution page upon request.
2. Align department-specific plans, policies, and training activities with EOP guidance.
3. Engage in exercises and training to maintain operational readiness.
4. Collaborate with the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and external partners to support plan implementation and continuous improvement.
• Adopt the EOP via resolution, formally establishing it as the County’s emergency management framework.
• Authorize the Board Chair and Sheriff to sign the Promulgation Letter, affirming leadership commitment and operational coordination.
• Maintain ongoing review, training, and engagement to ensure the plan remains effective and responsive to evolving emergency management needs.
• Refine and develop hazard-specific and functional annexes, which will serve as working documents for targeted response and operational strategies.
Conclusion
The adoption of the EOP is a crucial step in strengthening Lake County’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. By formalizing emergency policies, assigning clear responsibilities, and fostering interagency collaboration, the plan will significantly enhance the County’s ability to protect life, property, and the environment in times of crisis. The EOP will also serve as a living document, guiding the development of hazard-specific and functional annexes that provide targeted response strategies for critical emergency functions.
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Recommended Action: (a) Consideration of the draft County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and (b) Direction to staff as needed with a plan to return on April 22, 2025 for approval.