Department of Public Safety,
Office of Emergency Management
The Four Phases of Emergency Management

The four phases of Emergency Management are an integral part of comprehensive emergency planning. They are mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Each of these phases is specifically addressed here.

Mitigation:
A. Organizing a system that will identify the areas of concern and plan accordingly.

B. Solicit assistance from a broad spectrum of community, including, but no limited to:

1. Civic Groups
2. Schools
3. Fraternal Organizations
4. Government Agencies
5. Municipal Departments

C. Making those changes that reduce the probability, or at least the effects of a disaster, including, but not limited to:

1. Developing communications systems to meet the needs of the community;
2. Developing warning systems capable of providing officials and citizens with timely information;
3. Conducting an in-depth and specific hazard vulnerability study;
4. Providing appropriate authorities with complete information regarding hazards;
5. Insuring that local agencies or groups involved with Emergency Management are knowledgeable of their responsibilities;
6. Conducting realistic exercises of the plan.

Preparedness:
A. Planned actions to be implemented by steps in situations of increasing tensions and/or anticipated natural disaster including, but not limited to:

1. Reviewing and updating emergency plans and standard operating procedures;
2. Inspecting and preparing emergency equipment for operations;
3. Increasing public information;
4. Alerting of local government forces and volunteers;
5. Initiating accelerated training in appropriate areas;
6. Placing appropriate personnel on standby;
7. Establishing communications with appropriate agencies such as the National Weather Service.

Response:
A. Planned actions to be taken during that period of time in which the emergency is occurring with or without warning, including, but not limited:

1. Alerting the public to the emergency;
2. Fully activating the Emergency Operating Center;
3. Establishing appropriate communications;
4. Conducting emergency operations for a maximum survival of people and preservation of property;
5. Keeping the public informed of changes in the emergency situations as they occur.

Recovery:
A. That period immediately following the emergency when actions will be taken to restore the municipality to as normal as possible. They actions will include, but are not limited to:

1. Developing an evaluation of the situation including damage assessment;
2. Reporting damage assessment to County Emergency Operating Center;
3. Planning for restoration, determine priorities and commence restoration;
4. Providing assistance when requested;
5. In the event radiation is a problem, ensure monitoring and decontamination;
6. Providing transportation for people who are being relocated;
7. Providing mortuary service;
8. Providing medical assistance;
9. Certify as safe buildings, bridges, roads, etc.