The principal objective of the Office of Emergency Services (OES) is the coordination of emergency activities to save lives and reduce property losses during disasters and to expedite recovery from the effects of disasters.

On a day-to-day basis, the OES provides leadership, assistance, and support to state and local agencies in planning and preparing for the most effective use of federal, state, local, and private sector resources in emergencies. This emergency planning is based upon a system of mutual aid in which a jurisdiction relies first on its own resources, and then requests assistance from its neighbors. The OES' plans and programs are coordinated with those of the federal government, other states, and state and local agencies within California.

During an emergency, the OES functions as the Governor's immediate staff to coordinate the state's responsibilities under the Emergency Services Act and applicable federal statutes. It also acts as the conduit for federal assistance through natural disaster grants and federal agency support.

Additionally, the Office of Homeland Security is responsible for the development and coordination of a comprehensive state strategy related to terrorism that includes prevention, preparedness, and response and recovery.

Since department programs drive the need for infrastructure investment, each department has a related capital outlay program to support this need. For the specifics on the Office of Emergency Services' Capital Outlay Program see "Infrastructure Overview."