Emergency Management is coordinated effort, involving local, state, and federal government agencies as well as volunteer organizations and businesses. These various entities assist citizens and their communities to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and eliminate or reduce the effects of natural, civil, and technological emergencies and disasters.

The primary goal of emergency management is to prevent injuries, save lives, and reduce property damage
in your community.

Four Phases of Comprehensive Emergency Management

1. Mitigation: Activities that reduce or eliminate the degree of risk to human life or property
2. Preparedness: Pre-disaster activities to develop and maintain capabilities or respond rapidly and effectively to emergencies, disasters
3. Response: Activities to assess and contain the effects of disasters, provide life support to victims, and deliver emergency services
4. Recovery: Activities to restore damaged facilities and equipment, and support the economic and social revitalization of affected areas to their pre-emergency status

Family Disaster Plan

(click here)

a. Local officials and relief workers will respond to the disaster but they are unable to reach everyone right away.

b. Disasters and emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, when a disaster strikes be prepared.

c. Every family needs to plan for what might happen.

d. Post emergency phone numbers by the phone.

e. Teach children how and when to dial 911.

f. Maintain fire extinguishers in your home and know how to use them.

g. Maintain an emergency supply kit, water and supplies for at least three days, battery operated radio, first aid kit, flashlight, and sanitation supplies.

h. Teach family members how and when to turn off water, gas, and electric at the main switches.

i. Smoke detectors on each level of home maintained and tested.

j. Pre-plan escape route from home.

k. Listen to the radio and follow instructions of emergency officials.

l. Remember specialty items for your emergency supply kit such as prescription medications, baby formula, diapers, and pet supplies.

m. Practice and maintain your plan.

(download a copy here)