Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is tasked with coordinating response to disasters and other major emergencies across the county. The agency’s dedicated staff monitors the county for all-hazards and emergencies that may occur within our own boundaries or incidents from other areas that may affect our county. The OEM coordinates response of local, county, state and federal response to disasters and major emergencies.
Daily Operations
During day-to-day operations, the OEM oversees the development of countywide emergency plans. This includes the County’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which is activated during a disaster or other major emergency. The EOP is compliant with the Department of Homeland Security’s National Incident Management System (NIMS). The EOP must be updated and tested through drills and exercises annually. The OEM is also responsible for a Countywide, All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, which is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for all local jurisdictions. Other emergency planning documents the OEM handles include a Joint Information System Plan for handling emergency public information during a disaster or major emergency and a Resource Manual with the listing of potential resources that could be utilized by public safety agencies. As an active member of the Marshall-Wetzel Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the OEM coordinated the development of a Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan. The OEM works with local agencies and organizations to develop effective emergency plans.
Public Outreach
Public education and outreach activities are provided by the OEM staff. This includes presentations, workshops, printed materials and training programs.
Training & Accreditation
The OEM participates in exercises and drills regularly that include local jurisdictions, agencies, organizations, volunteer groups, state and federal agencies. These exercises and drills provide after action reviews so lessons can be learned and incorporated in the revision of existing emergency plans or development of new plans.
The OEM staff is required to obtain a minimum of 48 hours of annual in-class training through the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Institute. Every three years, OEM personnel must receive professional accreditation through the West Virginia Emergency Management Accreditation Program.
