Podcast #47: Rattlesnake Encounters and How to Avoid Them: We’re Hands-on for Your Sssafety!
In this episode we tag along with professional rattlesnake wrangler Lou Fraser, and state park ranger Kerrie Launey. Fraser shows us the kind of habitat in which rattlesnakes can be found, and educates us on their some of their behavior and some of...
‘Deadly Silence’ A Drowning Awareness Campaign
Can you imagine finding your child floating face down in your own pool? It happened, but this story does have a happy ending and we’re using it as a reminder for all. Backyard swimming pools will once again be busy this summer. Know what to do to...
Podcast #46: Geared Up for “Super Thursday” at CSTI Hazmat Training
In this episode (#46) we take you to Super Thursday, a sort of “final exam day” for students attending the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Hazmat Specialist course. We talk with Alex Cabassa, Cal OES Assistant Director, and CSTI...
Snakes Slither Into Summer
As the weather becomes warmer, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and poison control officials are warning Californians to be aware of rattlesnake encounters. In fact, just recently a rattlesnake was spotted at Cal OES headquarters....
Podcast #45: Filling the HazMat Response Capability Gaps in California
Cal OES and 12 assignee local government fire departments are parties to a contractual agreement permitting the use of the Cal OES Type II HazMat Response Vehicles for local emergency response, out-of-service HazMat vehicles, training, exercises,...
Podcast #44: The Thomas Fire: Critical Public Information During California’s Historic Wildfire
From December 4th to December 22nd, 2017, the Thomas Fire cost more than 177 million dollars to fight, and forced the evacuation of more than 104 thousand people and had 8,500 firefighters from 22 states simultaneously working to contain it. But...
Podcast #43: Six Months After the NorCal October 2017 Wildfires
It's been six months since the October 2017 wildfires ravaged Northern California. Through coordination with California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and in close partnership with FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. EPA, Cal EPA...
Fear and Respect the Flash Flood, Play it Safe and Live
Another surge of tropical moisture will arrive in Central California by late week, and could last into the weekend. This warm and wet system has the potential to bring heavy rain, flooding, and debris flows, especially near recent burn scars....
Podcast #42: Sentinel Response 18 FSE and Interagency Cooperation
In recent months, California and our nation has been no stranger to devastating natural and man-made emergencies. So, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) joined the California National Guard’s Homeland Response Force...
California’s Homeland Security Advisor, State Superintendent Release Joint Letter Urging Review of Emergency Plans, Procedures at Schools
Following the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Fla., California's public instruction chief and its top homeland security official sent a joint message to school superintendents and emergency management officials across the state emphasizing the...
California’s Homeland Security Advisor, Chancellor of Community Colleges Release Joint Letter Emphasizing Importance of Reviewing School Safety Procedures
California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci today released a joint letter to campuses and emergency management officials across the state emphasizing...
Podcast #40: Chief Larry Collins on Haiti, Japan, Northridge and Loma Prieta Earthquakes and the Evolution of US&R
In this episode, we talk with Deputy Chief Larry Collins, who is the Cal OES Fire and Rescue Deputy Fire Chief of the Special Operations and Hazardous Material Unit. He oversees the State Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response Program which...
One Month Recovery Update for Southern California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – It’s been one month since FEMA’s Individual Assistance program was approved for Southern Californians in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Here’s an update on recovery numbers as of close of business...