The 13 major emergency management functions are:
1. Laws and Authorities — the legal authorities for the development, implementation and maintenance of an emergency management program
2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment – the identification of the hazards with the greatest potential to affect lives and property and an assessment of the likelihood, vulnerability and magnitude of incidents that could result from exposure to hazards
3. Hazard Management — a systematic management approach to eliminate hazards or reduce the effects of hazards through mitigation
4. Resource Management — the availability of critical human and physical resources required in disaster management
5. Planning — the collection analysis and use of information, and the development, promulgation, and maintenance of a comprehensive emergency management plan, action plan, mitigation plan and administrative plan.
6. Direction, Control and Coordination — the capability to monitor for emergencies and disasters, quickly and accurately assess their magnitude, and direct, control and coordinate response and recovery
7. Communications and Warning — the ability to alert and warn response organizations and the general public of pending and spontaneous disaster events
8. Operations and Procedures — the implementation of policies, plans and procedures in exercises and disaster events
9. Logistics and Facilities — the essential facilities and services that support response and recovery operations
10. Training — the assessment, development and implementation of a training/education program for public officials, emergency response personnel and mitigation personnel
11. Exercises — the evaluation of plans and capabilities based on a program of tests and exercises
12. Public Education and Information — the provision of public education and information to protect lives and minimize property loss
13. Finance and Administration — the financial and administrative procedures in place before, during and after disaster events
The Emergency Management Agency is the bridge designed and created to help people help people.
If the health, safety and well-being of the entire community is the EMA’s number-one priority, and if a comprehensive emergency management program built on effective public/private partnerships can be directly attributable to saving lives, mitigating the effects of and recovering from a disaster, then it takes an entire community – those who can help helping those who need help.
1. MAKE A PLAN: You should plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Think about the places where your family spends time: school, work and other places you frequent. Ask about their emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. If they do not have an emergency plan, consider helping develop one.
- CREATING A FAMILY PLAN: You and your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Be prepared for a variety of situations.
- DECIDING TO STAY OR GO: Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.
- AT WORK AND SCHOOL: Schools, daycare providers, workplaces, apartment buildings and neighborhoods should all have site-specific emergency plans. Ask about plans at the places your family frequents.
- IN A MOVING VEHICLE: You may be in a moving vehicle at the time of an attack. Know what you can do.
- IN A HIGH-RISE BUILDING: You may be in a high-rise building at the time of an attack. Plan for the possibility.
2. BUILD A KIT:
- WATER & FOOD: Find out how to store and prepare for at least three days of survival.
- FIRST AID KIT: Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. If you have these basic supplies, you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt.
- CLEAN AIR: Learn how to improvise with what you have on hand to protect your mouth, nose, eyes and cuts in your skin.
- SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS: Make lists for those with special needs - babies, adults, seniors and people with disabilities.
- PORTABLE KIT: Assemble supplies items essential for survival.
- SUPPLY CHECKLISTS: Assemble clothing & bedding, tools and other basic supplies.
The Greene County EMA’s
Local Emergency Planning Committee consists of the local Emergency Planning Committee for Greene County, which represents the entire community. This board’s mission is to provide for the safety of the residents of Greene County from the perils of hazardous materials. The accomplishment of this task is done through planning and education of the residents and facility personnel, as well as coordination with the county emergency response team.