The Emergency Preparedness Program is responsible for the development and maintenance of the City's Emergency Operation Plan. The Emergency Preparedness Program includes training exercises for City staff, and public and private groups within the City on emergency preparedness. It also includes managing the City’s emergency supply inventory.

The Emergency Preparedness staff works in a coordinated effort with local, state and federal emergency organizations. The City of Mission Viejo works closely with contract agencies, such as the Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the American Red Cross to provide emergency services to the residents of Mission Viejo. In addition, the City of Mission Viejo has mutual aid agreements in place with other local agencies, including cities, county, state and federal agencies to assist in the event disaster strikes.

The operation of the Emergency Operating Center (EOC) is the responsibility of certain emergency preparedness staff members as set forth by the State of California Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS). In March 2002, the new Civic Center will open, complete with an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The new EOC/Community Room will have a dual function. The majority of the time this area will be utilized as a Community Room, a place for both staff and the public to hold meetings. During an emergency, the room will be converted into an emergency operations center, serving as the communications hub for emergency personnel during a disaster.

The State of California Governor's Office of Emergency Services can also be accessed for important Statewide operations and information at http://www.oes.ca.gov.