The Department of Public Works plays a vital role in emergency response as we have the critical resources including staff, equipment and supplies. Normal operations can temporarily cease while resources are diverted as needed. The emergency may involve a specific site or be countywide. It may involve natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, nor’easters, ice storms, snow events, floods, fires and earthquakes or manmade events such as fuel spills, vehicle collisions, airplane crashes, train derailments, dam breaches, bridge failures, building collapses and terrorist attacks. The Engineering Division is responsible for preparing essential emergency planning documents such as the County’s Continuity of Operations Plan, Debris Management Plan, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Emergency Action Plans for High Hazard Dams and Facility Evacuation Plans. The Division plays a critical role in assisting the Department of Emergency Services with emergency response including participation in the Emergency Operations Center.