Emergency Management State and Local

Emergency Management

State and local governments, under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other national agencies protect and prepare our nation for emergencies. These preparations are the same for either natural or man-made emergencies. There are differences between potential emergencies that impact decisions made and actions taken, as well as and dependent upon, the area of the country affected. There are health, terrorism, natural disaster and nuclear emergencies that occur on the local, national or international levels.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Incident Management System (NIMS) was developed so responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines might work together to respond to emergencies, natural and others, such as those caused by acts of terrorism. Through FEMA the system would be able to respond in a unified way to disasters or emergencies. FEMA has regional NIMS coordinators throughout the United States (Emergency, 2007). Local emergency databases have been set up, such as the LEPC Database, sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has over 3000 listings, divided into State, name or zip code (Local, 2007). Websites, such as the American Red Cross site, prepare citizens for emergencies, telling them how to plan and what to put aside in a safe area (Are, 2007). Legislation has been passed, such as the Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), passed in 2006, which helps the public know about chemicals at individual facilities, their uses, and releases into the environment, and assists States and communities to use the information to protect public health and the environment (Chemical, para. 2).

The National Advisory Council advises the Administrator of FEMA on all aspects of preparedness and emergency management in an effort to ensure close coordination with its partners across the country. State Departments of Homeland Security are coordinated under FEMA and administer County, City and Town Emergency Management plans. Emergency plans must be made for places where people spend time - at work, in daycare situations and at schools. If no plans exist, they must be made. If there are volunteer groups, these must be incorporated into the planning. In order for citizens to be better prepared to safely reunite families and loved ones during or in the wake of an emergency, it is necessary for Emergency Management to think ahead.

Management of political and public policies must prepare for the unexpected. First, they must educate the public as to what to do in an emergency. Then they must make plans for evacuation and care. In addition, emergency plans must be established in each area by state and local governments. The number one priority in all disasters and emergencies is public education. Education of the public involves guiding them in preparing supplies and communication plans. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) has required that the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) meet NIMS requirements. In 2005, the EMI department of Homeland Security created the Incident Command System (ICS) and, on January 1, 2006, instituted new courses designed specifically for training Law Enforcement, Public Works and ICS disciplines.

For schools, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools is offering training sessions to provide schools and school districts with information and resources on emergency management. The Emergency Management for Schools training programs are designed to provide an opportunity for school personnel to receive critical training in emergency management issues, resources and practices (Emergency, 2007).

In business-related emergencies, the National Institute of Safety and Health "comprehensive plan for dealing with terrorism-related events also includes specific instructions to building occupants, actions to be taken by the facility management, and first responder notification procedures" (NIOSH, 2007).