Emergencies occur everyday. Community residents call 9-1-1 to request immediate firefighting, medical, and law enforcement services. There are however other larger incidents that involve complex and coordinated efforts, such as major earthquakes or tsunamis. The role of the Office of Emergency Services (OES) is to assist and coordinate large scale preparedness between decision makers, first responders, and all City services and employees. Additionally, OES works with community members and regional organizations in providing information, training, and exercise to strengthen preparedness for man-made or naturally disastrous events.
The City's Emergency Management goal is, in times of crisis, to effectively bring every available resource to bear against the problem. Accomplishing this task requires multifaceted, interdepartmental and inter-agency cooperation and the resolution of complex operational, legal, legislative and administrative issues. The City of San Diego is committed to working with local jurisdictions, the state and federal governments, other public, private and non-profit organizations, and San Diego residents to ensure that this goal is achieved.