Emergency Management Services

Requirements of Local Emergency Management

Public agencies are increasingly required to manage the costs of emergencies more effectively and with fewer resources. Different agencies must work together to protect lives, property, and the environment during disasters. Pierce County Department of Emergency Management (PCDEM) can facilitate priority setting, inter-agency cooperation, and the efficient flow of resources and information.

Due to the potential for frequent and multiple disasters to occur anytime and anywhere in Pierce County, it is important emergency response agencies operate within a clear and consistent organizational structure. RCW 38.52 and WAC 118-30 provide the legal requirements and administrative rules pertaining to local emergency management. These laws originate expectations that local governments:

  • Establish and provide emergency management programs by ordinance.
  • Provide for the rendering of mutual aid.
  • Manage emergency workers.
  • Provide disaster preparedness public education.
  • Facilitate continuity of operations.
  • Develop comprehensive emergency management plans.
  • Submit annual program papers.
Emergency Management Services

WAC 118-30 provides the authority for PCDEM to serve as the Emergency Management Organization for local political subdivisions within Pierce County. In this role, PCDEM can provide baseline Emergency Management services and coordination systems to the county with continuity, clarity, and expectations to efficiently and effectively respond to any disaster. PCDEM guides and provides subject matter expertise with:

Incident management supportResource management and logistics
Communications and WarningOperations and procedures
Mutual Aid
Training
PlanningExercises, evaluations, and corrective action
Hazard mitigationPrevention and security
Hazard identification, risk assessment, consequence analysisCrisis communication, public education, and information
Program managementFacilities
Administration and financeLaws and Authorities
Preparedness and Prevention

ACTIONS TAKEN BEFORE A DISASTER STRIKES, NOT DURING

  • Maintain Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP).
  • Provide guidance, training, and tools in development of Continuity Of Operations Plan (COOP) and Continuity Of Government Plan (COG).
  • Provide guidance, training, and tools in development of Emergency Operational Plan (EOP).
  • Provide emergency management overview for leaders and elected officials.
  • Provide introductory emergency management training/education.
  • Provide Incident Command System (ICS) training opportunities.
  • Facilitate regional training and exercise program (needs assessment, coordination with State, course/exercise administration).
  • Deliver Pierce County Neighborhood Emergency Team training.
  • Provide outreach at community meetings and fairs.
  • Provide access to and training for the WEB EOC application.
  • Prepare and submit annual emergency management program report to State.
  • Manage volunteer program.
Mitigation

ACTIVITIES TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE RISKS TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY

  • Facilitate the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan coordination, development, and review.
  • Provide guidance, training, and tools in development of a Threat Hazard identification Risk Assessment (THIRA) and subsequent annual review of THIRA.
Response

ACTIVITIES THAT ADDRESS THE SHORT-TERM, DIRECT EFFECTS OF AN INCIDENT

  • Provide access to, and support from, the 24-hour Duty Officer.
  • Activate and manage the Tacoma/Pierce County EOC as necessary.
  • Support coordination of multi-agency response to emergency incidents.
  • Provide alert, warning, and emergency public information (methods include, but are not limited to, PCWARN, PCALERT, EAS, WEA, Lahar Warning System, social media, and traditional media).
  • Provide Public Information Officer and Joint Information System support.
  • Provide direction and control for emergency coordination efforts.
  • Establish and maintain situational awareness.
  • Provide logistical support.
Recovery

ADDRESSING BOTH LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM RECOVERY

  • Facilitate disaster assessment.
  • Provide communication and general administrative assistance for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs in the event of a declared disaster.
Contact

[email protected]
253-798-6595