FORM AND FUNCTIONS:
The Nemaha County Emergency Management Agency is a county agency authorized by county resolution, and affirmed by city ordinances, and state statutes. Primary functions include assisting emergency services in planning for efficient operations during disasters, acting as liaison between emergency operations agencies and county-city executives, maintaining the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for use at any time, assisting local jurisdictions and public safety agencies in the development and maintenance of warning systems throughout Nemaha County, training severe storm spotters and coordinating storm watch operations, assisting with and responding to: county-wide hazardous materials situations, planning, reporting and response, planning and conducting various types of training exercises, instructing and assisting the general public in disaster procedures, assisting schools, hospitals, nursing homes, business and industry in developing and implementing disaster plans, and providing an offsite emergency response plan, including training and exercising, for the Nebraska Public Power District, Cooper Nuclear Station. The EOC has standby electrical power. PERSONNEL:
There is one full-time employee, the Director, one part-time Deputy Director, one part-time office assistant, and approximately 75 volunteer staff personnel. NEMAHA COUNTY HAZARDS:
The county population is exposed to several hazards in three basic categories:
(1) Natural,
(2) Technological and
(3) National Security, which have the potential to disrupt day-to-day community life patterns. These emergencies and disasters could involve injuries, death and property loss to the citizens of the county. The hazards which have the highest potential of occurrence are; hazardous materials (HAZMAT), severe storms (winter and summer), floods, tornadoes, utility accidents, transportation accidents, terrorism and national emergencies. The other hazards are civil disturbances, fires, explosion, pollution, water related incidents, medical epidemic, loss of communications, and earthquakes. VISION:
The vision for Nemaha County Emergency Management embodies the vision recently established by FEMA, (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Our vision provides for "a public educated on what to do before, during and after a disaster to protect themselves, their families, their homes, and their businesses". We will provide local government and private organizations with proven effective plans, necessary resources, and rigorous training for disaster response; and community plans, prepared in advance, for recovery and reconstruction after a disaster. We will vigorously promote mitigation efforts including warning systems, location of structures out of harms way, flood control measures and mutual aid/inter-local agreements. MISSION:
The mission of the Nemaha County Emergency Management Agency, is to provide the leadership and support to save lives and protect property from all types of hazards through a comprehensive, risk-based, all hazards management program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. GOALS:
There are five mission-associated goals upon which management decisions and programs are based.
1. Creation of a local Emergency Management Partnership with other state, federal, and local governments and agencies, volunteer organizations and the private sector.
2. Establishment of a local management system with local partners that is comprehensive, risk-based and all hazards in approach.
3. Make hazard mitigation the foundation of the local Emergency Management System.
4. Provide a rapid and effective response to any emergency or disaster.
5. Strengthen local Emergency Management and increase the cadre of emergency responders in Nemaha County.
