FAQs

The organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all aspects of emergencies, in particularly mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Emergency management involves plans, structures and arrangements established to engage the normal endeavors of government, voluntary and private agencies in a comprehensive and coordinated way to respond to the whole spectrum of emergency needs. This is also known as disaster management.

The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services coordinates the overall county response to disasters. OES is responsible for:

Access and functional needs (AFN) refers to individuals who are or have:

• Physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities
• Chronic conditions or injuries
• Limited English proficiency
• Older adults
• Children
• Low income, homeless and/or transportation disadvantaged (i.e., dependent on public transit)
• Pregnant women

The mission of the Access & Functional Needs Working Group (AFN WG) is to provide guidance to the Office of Emergency Services that will help to provide the highest level of service to those with a disability and/or access and functional needs.  

The AFN WG provides feedback on any aspect of emergency management through the lens of a person who may have a disability and/or access and functional needs. This includes, but is not limited to OES’ plan development, concept of operations, public alerting and messaging, and daily operations. 

Past Projects Include:

• Review and approval of all Operational Area Emergency Operations Plans and Annexes.
• Development and implementation of two AFN-related positions in the Operational Area Emergency Operations Center.
• Creation of AFN Resource Group through Partner Connection to promote effective two-way communication between the County and community-based organizations during disaster response.
• Development of the “First Responder Access & Functional Needs Training Video Series” which provides first responders with helpful information to consider when interacting with individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. 
• Development of the “Disaster Preparedness Plan for Individuals Who May Need Assistance and Their Caregivers”.
• Development of the “Working with Access & Functional Needs Populations in a Shelter” video training series that equips shelter workers with helpful information to consider when interacting with individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.

Absolutely! Please email nicholas.thomlison@sdcounty.ca.gov