Union County EMA Coordinates Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Staff Report

The Emergency Management Agency serves as the coordinating agency for preparation and response to major emergencies or disasters in Union County, according to information from Union County Fire and Rescue.

Each county in Georgia has a local EMA office. The agency handles prevention, mitigation, preparation, response and recovery for disasters that may affect the community. It also serves as the coordinating agency for homeland security efforts within the county.

Prevention and mitigation are key steps in disaster preparedness. Prevention involves efforts to keep a disaster from occurring. While little can be done to stop natural disasters such as hurricanes or ice storms, other events such as wildfires can be prevented. When prevention is not possible, mitigation seeks to reduce the impact of certain disasters.

Being prepared is essential. One way the EMA assists the community is by providing information on possible disasters, their impacts and how to prepare for them. After potential risks are identified, the agency informs residents about prevention, preparedness and mitigation measures.

The EMA coordinates the response to a disaster or emergency. During an event, it opens the Emergency Operations Center, where information is collected, the public is informed and the response is coordinated.

Mutual aid and state or federal assistance may also be requested from the EOC. The current center was built in 2013 and has been upgraded several times. The building and upgrades were funded through SPLOST.

Recovery is the final phase and focuses on returning the community to normal. State, federal and private assistance may be required. In a disaster of significant magnitude, the governor may declare a state of emergency and request a presidential emergency or major disaster declaration. If approved, the community may seek public and individual assistance. The EMA serves as the primary contact for that aid.

Emergency management is a partnership between the EMA and the community. It requires cooperation in preventing, mitigating, preparing for, responding to and recovering from major emergencies and disasters. The Union County Emergency Management Agency is committed to working with residents to better prepare for and respond to local disasters.