Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The County of Ventura has announced the restructuring of the existing Disaster Council with an organizational model that provides a more collaborative system of emergency management. The new council has been named the Unified Emergency Planning Council and the first meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, October 9, 2008 at the Ventura County Public Works Saticoy Operations Yard Conference Room.

The purpose of the Unified Emergency Planning Council will be to develop and manage the strategic organizational plan for emergency management in Ventura County. The new council will include members of the Ventura County Operational Area (County, cities, special districts), federal and state agencies, local non-profit and volunteer organizations, business and industry, and the military. This new structure will also comply with existing local, state and federal emergency management guidelines, as well as influence the broad, on-going agenda for emergency management in Ventura County.

In addition to the review of local emergency operations plans, the Unified Emergency Planning Council will ensure that developed plans provide for the effective procurement and mobilization of resources within the Ventura County Operational Area. Quarterly Council meetings will also provide a forum for community dialog and vetting of concepts, priorities and initiatives relative to emergency preparedness. By coordinating with all entities involved in public safety activities, the Unified Emergency Planning Council will provide a more collaborative system of emergency management in Ventura County.

For more information on the Unified Emergency Planning Council, please contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at (805) 654-2551 or via email at oes.oes@ventura.org.