Disaster Service Workers
Every MVC employee has a role in an emergency
All Moreno Valley College employees are Disaster Service Workers. Under California law and Riverside Community College District policy, public employees may be called upon to assist with emergency and disaster response activities. During an emergency, employees may be assigned duties outside their regular job responsibilities to help protect the safety and well-being of students, employees and the campus community.
Being A Disaster Service Worker
You should be prepared to assist the College and District during an emergency. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to:
- Report to a designated location or emergency assignment.
- Assist with emergency operations and response activities.
- Support students, employees, and other members of the campus community.
- Perform duties assigned by your supervisor, emergency management personnel, or as required by law.
- Remain on duty until you are officially released.
Disaster Service Worker Oath
As part of the hiring process, Riverside Community College District employees take and subscribe to an Oath of Allegiance. This oath fulfills the statutory requirement for employees serving as Disaster Service Workers.
In accordance with the statutory requirements of the California Constitution, Article II, Section 3 and California Government Code Sections 3100-3109, the following Oath of Allegiance is required of persons employed by the Riverside Community College District.
I, [Your Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.
Riverside Community College District Board Policy 5807: Disaster Service Worker designates all employees as Disaster Service Workers under California Government Code Sections 3100–3109. Employees may be assigned disaster-related duties by their supervisor or as required by law. During an emergency, employees should be prepared to support special emergency operations and perform duties necessary to care for and protect the District community.
California Government Code Sections 3100–3109 establish the legal basis for the Disaster Service Worker designation. The law declares all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers and authorizes them to perform disaster-related duties assigned by their supervisors or required by law. The law also requires Disaster Service Workers to take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before entering their duties. The oath is established by the California Constitution and must be maintained by the employing public agency.
For RCCD employees, this means your Disaster Service Worker responsibilities are part of your public employment. In an emergency, you may be assigned duties that support the College's response and recovery efforts, including duties outside your normal job responsibilities.
Responding to Emergencies
Emergencies during work hours
If a disaster occurs while you are at work, remain at your assigned location unless you are directed otherwise by your supervisor or emergency management personnel. Employees should be prepared for possible assignment to emergency operations. The District will make reasonable efforts to assist employees in communicating with their families and confirming their safety.
Employees should expect to remain on duty until they are officially released.
Emergencies outside work hours
If a major disaster occurs outside of work hours, employees who are physically able may be expected to report to work or to a designated emergency assignment after taking care of critical personal and family emergency needs. Follow emergency instructions provided through District communication channels and your supervisor. If you are unsure where to report, contact your supervisor for direction.
Do not enter a building or other area until it has been determined to be safe.
Common Questions
All public employees are included in the disaster service worker status. This includes any persons employed by any county, city, state agency, school district, or public district, such as the Riverside Community College District.
Any RCCD employee performing duties as a disaster service worker is considered to be acting within the scope of disaster service duties. You may be assigned disaster service activities by your supervisors, by another supervisor or department as part of a temporary reassignment, or by law enforcement.
Yes, if they have taken and subscribed an oath or affirmation as set forth in the California Constitution that declares them to be disaster service workers in time of need.
Public employee service workers cannot be held liable for their actions during a disaster while acting within the scope of their responsibilities. If a public employee is injured in the line of duty, claims are filed as worker compensation claims.
Training and Preparedness
The District provides disaster preparedness training appropriate to employees' roles and responsibilities. Additional emergency management training may be provided for employees with specific responsibilities. Employees should take time to understand their department's emergency procedures, outlined in annual Department Emergency Action Plans (DEAP), and know how they will receive emergency information and instructions.
Training Resources Training Calendar
Policies and Procedures and Resources
- RCCD Emergency Operations
- RCCD Mass Notification System
- RCCD Safety Status
- MVC College Safety, Police, and Emergency Resources
- MVC Emergency Preparedness
- MVC Safety and Emergency Preparedness Portal (coming soon)
