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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Emergency or Disaster Declaration?

A Local Emergency affecting the County of Humboldt may be proclaimed by the Board of Supervisors or the Sheriff (or their designee) when hazardous conditions cause significant damages or pose an imminent threat to people, property, and/or the environment. Proclaiming a Local Emergency can provide the County a pathway to additional resources. Tribes and incorporated cities may independently proclaim local emergencies, while County proclamations include all cities, regions, and special districts within the Operational Area.

State-level emergency declarations include a governor's proclamation of a State of Emergency, governor's executive orders, and the Cal OES director's concurrence with an operational area's emergency proclamation. The state Emergency Services Act and the California Disaster Assistance Act direct emergency response and recovery policy and operations in California. State financial disaster assistance may be provided at the discretion of the governor.

Federal disaster declarations are requested by the governor, granted by the president, and reserved for catastrophic events. A presidential declaration of an Emergency or of a Major Disaster provides access to federal resources for individuals, businesses, and public agencies.

Show All Answers

1. What does the Office of Emergency Services do?
2. What is the Humboldt Operational Area?
3. What happens when a disaster exceeds the capacity of local response agencies?
4. What is an Emergency or Disaster Declaration?
5. What is an Emergency Operations Center?
6. What is a Joint Information Center?