CalOES responds to and aids in the recovery from emergencies within the State of California under the authorities of the California Emergency Services Act (ESA), the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), the federal Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and other legislation.

Within CalIES, the Recovery Branch is responsible for managing disaster recovery and providing assistance to local governments and individuals impacted by disasters. The Recovery Branch ensures that state and federal support are provided in an efficient and timely manner throughout the recovery process. The Recovery Branch acts as the grantee for federally funded disaster assistance programs, as grantor for the state CDAA program, and coordinates recovery assistance for individuals, businesses and the agricultural community. The Recovery Branch provides technical support to reduce the costs and streamline the process of future recovery efforts. Additionally, the Recovery Branch ensures that proposed recovery projects are reviewed for environmental concerns and that historical preservation activities are considered.

In support of these responsibilities, the Recovery Branch performs extensive liaison activities with local, state and federal agencies, legislators, various volunteer and nonprofit organizations, as well as the general public. The Recovery Branch emphasizes recovery preparedness through the coordination of recovery planning efforts, the development of recovery training programs and the involvement in emergency management exercises and drills.