CHATHAM TOWNSHIP

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

What are the Four Phases of Comprehensive Emergency Management?

1. Mitigation:  Actions taken to eliminate or reduce the degree of long-term risk to life and property. This includes:

-Continual assessment (risk analysis, vulnerability)

-Public education

-Insurance, building codes, ordinances etc.

2. Preparedness:  Actions taken in advance of an emergency to develop operational capabilities and facilitate an effective response to an emergency.

-Training

-Exercises

-Write Standard Operating Procedures

-Develop Mutual aid agreements

3. Response:  Actions taken during or directly after an emergency occurs.

-OEM coordinates entire incident.

-Operations units include Fire, Police, EMS and DPW.

-Public Information Officer gives information to the public.

-Declare a State of Emergency

-Open Emergency Operations Center

4. Recovery:  Activity to return vital life support systems to minimal operating standards and long-term activity designed to return life to normal.

-Crises counseling.

-Debris clearance.

-Health issues.

-Open shelters.

-Request State and FEMA assistance.