WHAT WE ARE AND WHAT WE AREN'T
The GCDEM is charged with responding to natural and man-made hazards such as tornadoes, chemical spills, chemical related fires, etc. This office works on an agency to agency basis rather
than a one on one, individual type situation. We do not deal with indigents, housing problems of the poor, social problems or dispensation of funds for the payment of utility bills. We do not negotiate or mediate disputes with an individual and his/her insurance company after a fire or large scale disaster such as a flood or tornado. We will, however refer you to agencies that are at your disposal after a large scale disaster. An example would be Small Business Administration after the loss or
damage of a business due to floods or tornadoes in the area of your business location. The GCDEM also houses the administrative branch of 9-1-1, which deals with the budget, address assignments, equipment purchase and re-placement, data management, dissemination of data to other emergency agencies, and a variety of other duties. Emergency calls are not answered in this office. Emergency calls emanating from an address within the City of Hot Springs, are receive at the Hot Springs Police Department for proper dispatch. Emergency calls made outside the city of Hot Springs are received at the Garland County Sheriffs Office for dispatch to one of their units or if it happens to be a "fire call" or someone in need of an ambulance, the call is transferred to LifeNet EMS by way of a one button transfer. LifeNet EMS has volunteered to dispatch for the 10 volunteer fire departments.
