Emergency Management

Who We Are and What We Do

Emergency Management is the discipline and coordinated effort of preparing for, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from disasters and emergencies. In Woodbury County, our Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is tasked with protecting lives, property, and the environment by working closely with local, state, and federal partners. Here’s an overview of what we do and why it matters.

Our Core Mission

The main goal of Woodbury County Emergency Management is:

"to establish, coordinate, provide services, and maintain local emergency management activities and intergovernmental, private, and volunteer partnerships to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all disasters that may impact Woodbury County, its communities and citizens."

Key Responsibilities

1. Preparedness

   • Planning: We develop and maintain comprehensive emergency operation plans. These plans guide how county agencies, first responders, hospitals, and community partners coordinate during an incident.
   • Training & Exercises: Our team organizes drills and training sessions for local responders and volunteers. These simulations range from table-top exercises to full-scale scenarios, ensuring everyone is ready to act decisively when disaster strikes.
   • Public Education: We work to inform and educate residents about steps they can take to prepare themselves, such as building emergency kits and creating family communication plans.

2. Mitigation

   • Risk Assessment: We identify and analyze hazards specific to Woodbury County, including flooding near the Missouri River, severe storms, and extreme winter weather.
   • Community Projects: By collaborating with municipal governments, businesses, and community organizations, we help implement projects that reduce vulnerability—like fortifying infrastructure or improving drainage systems in flood-prone areas.
   • Grant Assistance: We help local entities secure funding for mitigation efforts, facilitating long-term resilience projects that protect critical infrastructure.

3. Response

   • Coordination: In an emergency, Woodbury County EMA activates an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which serves as the central hub for coordinating resources, gathering information, and making strategic decisions.
   • Resource Management: We manage the allocation of personnel, equipment, and supplies. This ensures that first responders have what they need—when and where they need it.
   • Communication: We maintain real-time communication with county officials, law enforcement, fire departments, public health agencies, and community partners. Timely, accurate information helps us provide immediate support where it’s most critical.

4. Recovery

   • Initial Relief Efforts: After a disaster, we assist in locating and managing shelter, food, and medical care for those affected.
   • Damage Assessment: Working with state and federal agencies, we assess the extent of the damage to determine eligibility for disaster assistance programs.
   • Long-Term Support: We coordinate with volunteer organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies to help families rebuild, navigate insurance claims, and restore critical services. Our goal is to return the community to normalcy as soon as possible.

How We Work With the Community

• Partnerships: Emergency Management involves an extensive network—fire departments, law enforcement, public health, schools, businesses, and non-profits. By collaborating with these stakeholders, we pool our expertise and resources to enhance overall readiness.
• Public Engagement: We encourage residents to participate in preparedness workshops, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and other volunteer programs. An informed and involved public is a powerful asset during emergencies.
• Continuous Improvement: Disasters and emergencies evolve, and so do our plans. We regularly review our strategies, conduct after-action reviews, and adjust our procedures based on lessons learned.

Why It Matters

Whether it’s ensuring roads are cleared during a winter storm or coordinating a multi-agency response to a large-scale flood, Woodbury County Emergency Management plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our community. While disasters can’t always be prevented, the impact they have on people and property can be significantly lessened through effective emergency management.

Stay Connected and Learn More
We invite you to explore our website and follow us on social media for the latest updates, preparedness tips, and event announcements. If you have questions or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to contact the Woodbury County Emergency Management Agency. Working together, we can create a more resilient and safer community for everyone.

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