What Is Emergency Management?

The primary goal of Emergency Management is to protect lives, prevent injuries, and reduce damage to property and the environment. This goal is achieved through the coordinated effort of Local, State, and Federal government agencies along with citizens, businesses, and volunteer organizations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Emergency Management has evolved from the post World War II Civil Defense groups into the multifaceted agencies of today.

Phases of Emergency Management:

Preparedness: EMA in conjunction with other local agencies develop plans, assist with training, and conduct exercises for emergencies/disasters.

Response: EMA with local Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, EMS, Hospitals, Public Works, Red Cross, and other agencies and organizations respond to disasters in the community. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) may be activated to help coordinate these resources. If local resources are exhausted, EMA may request assistance from outside agencies, including neighboring emergency services, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management (KDEM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Recovery: EMA works to return the affected residents and community to normal as soon as possible. In large incidents, state and federal agencies will probably assist our local agencies.

Mitigation: EMA with local, state, and federal agencies attempt to reduce or eliminate hazards and vulnerabilities in the county. An assessment of these risks can be performed and measures such as public education, specific training, safe rooms and tornado shelters, and flood control can be implemented.