Emergency Preparedness

Through the Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee (MEMC), local emergency managers identify regional issues and design emergency response plans. Committee members work together to: 

• Foster coordination, communication and cooperation among local agencies and the private sector. 
• Train elected and agency officials about their roles during disasters.  
• Develop policies, procedures and resource materials that benefit the region. 

MEMC members include emergency managers from the region’s cities and counties, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the National Weather Service and state and federal emergency management agencies. Additional members include public, private and nonprofit organizations, such as construction, engineering, health/medical, insurance/risk management, media, resource and mitigation, transportation and utility companies. 

Exercises and activities are tailored to the phases before, during and after an incident happens. These efforts help local jurisdictions build preparedness by providing a low-risk, cost-effective environment to: 

• Test and validate plans, policies, procedures and capabilities. 
• Practice emergency response activities with both responders and community partners. 
• Identify resource requirements, capability gaps, strengths, areas for improvement and potential best practices. 

When any type of disaster strikes — natural or manmade — our most vulnerable populations are often at the greatest risk and can have the most difficulty in recovering. Our region’s collective ability to help our most vulnerable citizens before, during and after disasters is an important measure of our strength and resilience.

The Community Disaster Resiliency Network (CDRN) connects community-based, faith-based, and health care organizations serving vulnerable populations to learn about disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Vulnerable populations include young children, older adults, people with disabilities, people who are economically disadvantaged, and those who are geographically, culturally or socially isolated.