Emergency Management

EMA logo

WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Emergency management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. Emergency management seeks to create a secure and resilient nation. It requires that we work together to build and sustain capabilities across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk.

VISION

The Office of Emergency Management seeks to promote safer, less vulnerable communities with the capacity to cope with hazards and disasters.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Office of Emergency Management commits to the protection of the residents and visitors of Kosciusko County. To lend support and aid to the emergency responders of the county and those adjoining counties which request aid. Our responsibilities encompass a wide range from public education, to responder enhancement, to resource allocation. We endeavor to be prepared regardless of whether the response is natural or man-made. We will provide all of this while treating everyone with a mutual respect not only for his or her person but for their property as well.

GOALS

The overall goals of emergency management at all levels are:

  1. To reduce the loss of life;
  2. To minimize property loss and damage to the environment;
  3. To protect the jurisdiction from all threats and hazards.

PRINCIPLES

Emergency Management  must be:

  1. Comprehensive — emergency managers consider and take into account all hazards, all phases, all stakeholders and all impacts relevant to disasters.
  2. Progressive — emergency managers anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient communities.
  3. Risk-Driven — emergency managers use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources.
  4. Integrated — emergency managers ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of a community.
  5. Collaborative — emergency managers create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.
  6. Coordinated — emergency managers synchronize the activities of all relevant stakeholders to achieve a common purpose.
  7. Flexible — emergency managers use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges.
  8. Professional — emergency managers value a science and knowledge-based approach based on education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous improvement.