Appendix 12

Emergency Management

Emergency management in the face of potential and actual disasters is something for which all local governments must be prepared. Emergency management covers both emergencies and disasters, although the distinction between them is substantial. Emergencies are occurrences that can be handled adequately with community resources, as in the case of a fire, localized flooding, or an auto accident. However, disasters – major floods or earthquakes – may require state or federal assistance.

Water rescue
Water rescue
Courtesy of the Virginia Municipal League

Preparing for such dire occurrences is most effective when emergency management is an integral part of everyday local government operations. Because disasters and emergencies are never planned, the most opportune time for local governments to prepare for them is before they happen.

The primary functions of emergency management are:

  1. Preparedness
  2. Response
  3. Recovery
  4. Mitigation
Most large disasters require a coordinated response from local, state, regional and national resources. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) provides coordination and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a key role in providing federal resources for local needs. The federal Department of Homeland Security is also a critical resource in terrorism incidents.