Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County has officially adopted its new, countywide Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), incorporating lessons learned over the past decade into the County’s framework for emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for future incidents.
While most people will never read an Emergency Operations Plan cover to cover, everyone benefits from their local government agency having one. Developed by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), a division of the Marin County Fire Department, the new plan establishes the policies, procedures, and coordination structure that guide critical decisions before, during, and after disasters.
The EOP – approved by the Board of Supervisors during its June 9 meeting -- serves as the County’s roadmap for how local government, first responders, public agencies, and community partners work together during emergencies. Whether responding to a wildfire, flood, public health emergency, or other crisis, the plan helps ensure community members receive timely information, coordinated support, and essential services when they need them most.
"This plan is about people," said Steven Torrence, Marin OEM Director. "It reflects years of collaboration and strengthens our ability to protect our communities during emergencies while ensuring recovery efforts are coordinated, equitable, and focused on their needs."
The new plan reflects the realities of today's risks and is adaptable to future incidents within Marin County. Since the last major update, Marin has experienced severe storms, public health emergencies, prolonged power outages, floods, and the growing impacts of climate change. The new EOP builds on those experiences to strengthen coordination, preparedness, response, and recovery.
At its core, the plan helps coordinate actions to:
- Protect lives and public safety
- Implement alert and warning countywide
- Support evacuations and sheltering operations
- Maintain essential services and critical infrastructure
- Provide timely and accessible public information
- Assist individuals and families during recovery and,
- Builds long-term community resilience
The updated EOP reflects a whole-community approach to emergency management, bringing together local government, special districts, schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and more. By strengthening coordination across these groups, the plan helps Marin County prepare for disasters and recover more effectively when they occur.
"Emergencies don't stop at jurisdictional boundaries," said County Executive Derek Johnson. "This plan helps ensure that when disasters happen, Marin County responds as one coordinated community. Enhancing disaster preparedness is one of the Board of Supervisors' top ongoing priorities because it corresponds with what our community members have told us is important to them."
The plan also emphasizes accessibility, language access, and equity to help ensure all community members receive support during emergencies, including older adults, people with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, and others who may face additional barriers during a disaster.
“This plan reflects the reality that Marin’s risks are evolving, and our preparedness must evolve with them,” said Nick Brubaker, OEM Chief Resilience Officer. “By building stronger pathways for community partner engagement, we can improve cultural competence, advance equity-centered approaches, and better serve everyone who lives, works, or visits Marin.”
Learn More and Get Involved
Marin County invites community members, businesses, organizations, and visitors to learn more about the EOP and help shape future updates.
Community members can:
- Today: Read the Public Summary or review the full Emergency Operations Plan at MarinCounty.gov/EOP.
- After reviewing the plan: Participate in the community feedback survey to help inform future updates and strengthen Marin County's emergency planning efforts.
- Later this summer: Attend an Office of Emergency Management outreach or pop-up event happening throughout Marin County to learn more and engage with staff in person.
- Beginning in July: Visit participating Marin County libraries to pick up a free printed copy of the EOP Public Summary, available in both English and Spanish.
- Beginning in July: Review a printed copy of the full EOP at participating library locations throughout Marin County.
Downloadable plans, feedback survey, upcoming outreach events, and additional information can all be found at MarinCounty.gov/EOP.
A strong Emergency Operations Plan is an important foundation, but resilience starts at home. Building an emergency plan with your family is one of the most effective ways to prepare for disasters and stay connected during an emergency. Learn how to create a plan and access preparedness resources at ReadyMarin.org.
Next Steps
The Emergency Operations Plan is a living document that will continue to evolve as new challenges emerge, lessons are learned, and community feedback is received.
Now that this is approved by the Supervisors, the EOP will be submitted to Cal OES for review, ensuring compliance with statewide expectations and positioning the County to maintain eligibility for disaster assistance and funding. In addition, the EOP will be shared with all local Cities and Towns, Special Districts, and Countywide partners.