The OR3 is a dedicated office within Santa Cruz County government that works collaboratively with other departments, agencies, and community organizations to address all aspects of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Their primary focus is on:

• Emergency Management: Planning and coordinating emergency response efforts in collaboration with other agencies.

• Disaster Preparedness: Educating the public about disaster preparedness and encouraging individuals and families to develop personal plans.

• Recovery Assistance: Providing resources and support to individuals and businesses affected by disasters, such as the CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the 2023 Winter/Spring Storms.

• Resilience Building: Implementing strategies to reduce the community's vulnerability to future disasters and promote long-term recovery.

How does the OR3 help the community?

The OR3 provides a wide range of services and resources to the Santa Cruz community, including:

• Developing and maintaining emergency response plans.

• Providing public education and outreach on disaster preparedness.

• Operating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during emergencies.

• Coordinating the distribution of resources and assistance to disaster survivors.

• Facilitating long-term recovery efforts.

• Implementing programs and initiatives to reduce the community's risk from natural hazards.

• Collaborating with community partners to build resilience and strengthen social networks.

The OR3 is also committed to:

• Providing information and resources in multiple languages to ensure all members of the Santa Cruz community have access to essential information.

• Promoting equity and inclusion in all their programs and initiatives.

• Continuously learning and improving their practices based on best practices and community feedback.

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Stay informed: Sign up for the OR3's email list and social media channels to receive 

updates on emergency preparedness, disaster response efforts, and recovery resources.