With Region Ranked 11th on FEMA’s Risk Index, County Shifts Approach to Disaster Prep

The Board of Supervisors voted in favor of a preparedness plan that focuses on community engagement in the face of increasing numbers of natural disasters in the region.

Supervisors on Tuesday voted 4-0 to direct Ebony Shelton, San Diego County’s chief administrative officer to collect resident feedback through the Office of Emergency Services.

Shelton will also partner with local organizations, philanthropies and stakeholders on emergency management.

Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas in a statement said that as the lead public agency for disaster preparedness and recovery that it is “essential” for the county to adopt a comprehensive approach.

“To effectively respond to future emergencies and avoid the devastating impacts of this January’s winter storms, we need the community to actively partner with us in this process,” she said.

Before the vote, Vargas said the county needs to face reality about climate change, and that emergencies caused by it will continue.

In late January, a massive rain storm led to flooding that displaced thousands of residents in several San Diego neighborhood and unincorporated communities.

According to Vargas’ office, San Diego County ranks 11th out of more than 3,000 U.S. counties on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Risk Index.

Vargas’ office said the new plan calls for creating a Community Recovery Division that will coordinate resources, support residents impacted by natural disasters and feature bilingual and “culturally responsive” employees.

Supervisors in June received a memorandum with 70 recommendations on the county’s disaster response, including on readiness and training across the region, residents having access to accurate, timely and translated information, along with resources such as behavioral health, food, housing and transportation.