Emergency Management

Warren County, with a residential population of more than forty thousand persons, is vulnerable to many hazards, all of which have the potential to disrupt the community, create damage, and cause injury or death to the citizens of the county.

An Emergency is defined as any event, which threatens to, or actually does, inflict damage to property or people.

A Disaster is defined as an emergency of such magnitude that resource capabilities (personnel, equipment, or financial) are exceeded and/or overwhelmed to require assistance from state and federal agencies.

Disasters do not just suddenly appear. A hazard exists, but it takes some event or accident to turn it into a disaster. One of the basic principles of this office is that we can do something useful before and after a disaster.

Emergency Management is a coordinated effort, involving local, state, and federal government agencies as well as volunteer organizations and businesses. Within an integrated emergency management framework, 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 emergency management structure that exists in the United States has its origins in the civil defense efforts that arose after World War II in response to the possibility of nuclear attack. In the 1960’s, the field of emergency management began expanding, and by the 1980’s, the focus had widened to the multi-hazard approach that prevails today. The primary goal of emergency management is to prevent injuries, save lives, and reduce property damage in your community.

In 1979, five federal agencies consolidated to form the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deal with various emergencies. Each of these five agencies were responsible for preparedness of a single hazard. With the combination of these agencies, a move toward an all hazard approach which includes preparedness for natural, technological and attack hazard with potential threats to life and property. This change reflects an increased emphasis on making the nation’s emergency management capability responsive to any major emergency.

A portion of this office is coordinating the plans and operations for various areas of emergency system during a disaster. (Fire, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Public Works, and other volunteers groups). Basically, to help prepare the community for emergency responses.

The Emergency Management Agency shall assist public officials, public health, emergency responders, schools, industry, and the public to promote emergency preparedness, assist with the coordination of disaster response & recovery operations, and will encourage mitigation efforts in all jurisdictions to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents of Warren County before, during and after a disaster or major emergency.

The Emergency Management Agency shall assist public officials, public health, emergency responders, schools, industry, and the public to promote emergency preparedness, assist with the coordination of disaster response & recovery operations, and will encourage mitigation efforts in all jurisdictions to ensure the safety and welfare of the residents of Warren County before, during and after a disaster or major emergency.

In partnership with public, private, and non-profit organizations, coordinate and promote a comprehensive, risk-based program of local emergency management activities. The Warren County Emergency Management Agency will assist the community with emergency management activities in order to preserve the community’s environment, support future growth, and enhance public safety and quality of life. The activities of the agency will be based on the values of customer satisfaction, equal treatment, integrity, knowledge, open communication, commitment, teamwork, and accountability.

First phase is MITIGATION, which refers to activities that reduce the chance or reduce the effects of a disaster. (Flood Zones, Building Codes, Land Management, Zoning Ordinances, Dams, Levees etc.)

Second phase is PREPAREDNESS, planning how to respond in case an emergency or disaster and working to increase resources available to respond effectively. (Research, Public Education, Training, Exercises, Coordination)

Third phase is RESPONSE, these activities occur during and immediately following the disaster. They are designed to provide emergency assistance to victims of the event and reduce the likelihood of further damage. (Fire, Law, Emergency Medical Services, evacuation, communication, disaster declaration, damage assessment, news media)

Third phase is RESPONSE, these activities occur during and immediately following the disaster. They are designed to provide emergency assistance to victims of the event and reduce the likelihood of further damage. (Fire, Law, Emergency Medical Services, evacuation, communication, disaster declaration, damage assessment, news media)

Fourth phase is RECOVERY, a process to help return things to normal or near normal conditions. In the short term, recovery returns vital life support systems to minimum operating standards. In the long term, recovery from a disaster may go on for years. (Damage Assessment, Insurance, Loans, Grants, Unemployment Assistance, Restoration, Analysis, Prevention Measures)

To sum things up, Emergency Management is a coordinated effort to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to and recover from an emergency or disaster. The Emergency Management Agency’s office is a result of the changing attitude of governmental bodies. They are changing from a reaction point of view to a readiness state.