As a public employee, you may be called upon to assist in the event of a fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or manmade disaster.
The Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP) was created as the result of legislation to provide workers’ compensation benefits to registered Disaster Service Worker (DSW) volunteers who are injured while participating in authorized disaster-related activities, including pre-approved training. Disaster service, as defined for the Program, is designed to aid in the response and recovery phases in a disaster or emergency. It does not include the day-to-day emergency response activities typically associated with, for example, law enforcement, fire services or emergency medical services. The Program also provides limited immunity from liability.
DSW Resource Information
Home & Work Preparedness Tips
DSW Resource Information
A DSW is a volunteer or public employee (like you) who will provide assistance and service to the community in times of crisis.
At any time during a declared emergency, you may be required to work and be assigned duties as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW). Assignments may require you to work at locations, times, and conditions, other than your normal work assignment. This does not include first responders such as law enforcement and fire services, who will have specific assignments in an emergency.
Public employees (like you) acting as DSWs are paid for time worked.
All public employees (like you) are included in disaster service worker status which are all persons employed by any city, county, state agency, or public district.
Disaster service means all activities authorized by and carried out, pursuant to the California Emergency Services Act.
Any injury sustained while performing disaster services is covered under the SF State workers compensation program.
If you are at work during a declared emergency report immediately to your department supervisor or department designated staging area. Make sure that your department has current emergency contact information, in the event you are needed.
Notify your supervisor if you have any special skills that might be useful in an emergency. Examples of special skills include being bilingual, licenses and/or certifications, or CPR or first aid training.
It is recommended that as a Disaster Service Worker that you prepare a 3-day emergency kit to be stored either in your car or near your worksite. If an emergency were to occur, access to necessary medications and personal items could be limited.
If you are at home in the event of a declared emergency, first take actions to protect you and your family and then when it is safe for you to do so, contact your immediate supervisor to receive reporting instructions.