Emergency Management assists local governments in developing plans for natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and man-made emergencies such as hazardous materials spills and nuclear accidents & Terrorist Attack all of which affect the public area in one way or another.
The efforts of local, state, and federal governments which identify and implement long-term measures before, during, and after a major disaster declaration to reduce or eliminate the problems associated with disasters is mitigation.
Local Emergency Management Directors work in their communities to develop an ongoing effort in identifying hazards and deciding the best way to reduce or eliminate them. Local participation is encouraged in analysis, alert, and notification programs, as well as in long-range planning by state government and in monetary assistance provided by the federal government.
Emergency Management's major emergency response efforts are carried out in the Emergency Operations Center in support of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT). Top-level management representatives of each state agency are involved in these activities under the direction of Emergency Management.
In times of emergency and disasters, the EOC is responsible for coordinating emergency operations, monitoring events, evaluating the need for declarations and the need for disaster assistance. This includes implementing the Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs), public information, alert procedures, monitoring of situation reports and of damage assessment.
The SERT directs response activities on-site when two or more state agencies are involved and upon request will direct the total response effort including private, local, state and federal resources. On order of the director, the SERT may go to the scene.
Recovery activities are those which are necessary to return life to normal in a disaster-stricken community. The Recovery Team is composed of representatives of state, local and federal agencies as well as organizations such as the American Red Cross, VOAD, churches, Salvation Army and other such groups who coordinate disaster relief and recovery activities.
In this way, prompt assistance can be provided following a disaster or emergency.
After a large-scale disaster involving a widespread area and/or many people, on-site Disaster Application Centers (DACs) are established in each affected community. These centers are to assist victims in determining the losses, obtaining temporary housing and financial assistance to replace damaged belongings. Disaster loans and grants may be available to assist businesses and local governments in recovery. The Division of Emergency Management also helps to coordinate the private donations for disaster victims.
Following a disaster, the DACs provide victims with a convenient place to meet with representatives who can help solve problems concerning housing, tax, insurance, health, welfare, or legal matters.
