Cal OESWhat’s in a name?  Maybe not so much.

In the hundred-year history of emergency management and response in California, the state government organization that coordinates and supports those activities has been known by many titles: The State Council of Defense, The State Emergency Council, The California Disaster Council and Office of Civil Defense, and even the redundant California State Disaster Council and State Disaster Office among them.

As part of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s Reorganization Plan to realign public safety programs and strengthen the emergency management system in the state, the California Emergency Management Agency has changed its name to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) on July 1, 2013 – a name they’ve been known by since 1970, except for a few years under the banner of the California Emergency Management Agency.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services exists to enhance safety and preparedness in California through strong leadership, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships. It’s mission is founded in public service. It’s goal is to protect lives and property by effectively preparing for, preventing, responding to, and recovering from all threats, crimes, hazards, and emergencies.