Agenda - City of Santa Monica

PHASES OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
This SEMS/NIMS Emergency Plan addresses the entire spectrum of contingencies,
ranging from relatively minor incidents to large-scale disasters, such as an earthquake.
Some emergencies will be preceded by a buildup or warning period, providing sufficient
time to warn the public and implement mitigation measures designed to reduce loss of
life, property damage, and effects on the environment. Other emergencies occur with
little or no advance warning, thus requiring immediate activation of the SEMS/NIMS
Emergency Plan and efficient and coordinated mobilization and deployment of
resources. All departments and agencies of the City must be prepared to promptly and
effectively respond to any foreseeable emergency, taking all appropriate actions,
including requesting and providing mutual aid.
Emergency management activities during peacetime and national security
emergencies are often associated with the four federal defined phases:
Mitigation Phase
Preparedness Phase
Response Phase
Recovery Phase
Mitigation Phase
Mitigation efforts occur both before and after emergencies or disasters.
Post-disaster mitigation is actually part of the recovery process. This includes
eliminating or reducing the impact of hazards that exist within the City of Santa Monica.
The City of Santa Monica created and adopted the Santa Monica Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan in 2004. The City Council adopted the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan in
September of 2004. The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan was formally approved by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency in April of 2005.
The goals of the Santa Monica Local Hazard Mitigation Plan include:
1. Protection of lives and property.
2. Improve emergency services capability.
3. Increase public awareness of local hazards.
4. Develop partnerships in implementation.
5. Promote sustainable living.
Preparedness Phase
The preparedness phase involves activities that are undertaken in advance of an
emergency or disaster. These activities develop operational capabilities and effective
responses to a disaster. Disaster plans are developed and revised to guide disaster
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