Franklin County EMA has been taking a proactive approach to preparing for disasters. We all hope that there will not be a need for responding to disasters, but the reality is that unpredictable weather phenomenon, pandemic flu concerns, and manmade disasters do in fact occur and affect people in Franklin County . One of the most important ways to be proactive is to be involvedwith various agencies and organizations. Public awareness is keyto being prepared for any situation. Sharing information about preparedness at all levels is important. It Is most important that the public know that being prepared begins with the individual. We are prepared to provide people the necessary tools to help them become prepared.

MISSION STATEMENT

Franklin County Emergency Management Agency (FCEMA) will support and protect the citizens and visitors of our communities by helping to limit the effect of disasters. A County-wide plan incorporates all available resources to perform the four phases of emergency management: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery.

In addition, this plan strives to support a collaborative effort among local municipalities, state and federal governments, emergency responders, public works, hospitals, schools, public and private businesses, and the general population.

WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT?

Emergency Management is a community wide effort in preparing for emergencies. The FCEMA plan allows for a quick and effective response by using the four phases of emergency management:
Mitigation --- to eliminate or reduce the probability for disaster by assisting municipalities with proactive planning strategies
Preparedness--- save lives and minimize damages
Response --- immediate activities that provide emergency assistance
Recovery --- activities that return all systems to normal or to improved standards.

When local disasters impact Franklin County citizens an immediate response is primarily preformed by first responders. If the man-made or natural disaster exceeds local and county resources, state and federal response agencies are activated. Although we can never foresee everything that might happen, potential emergency situations could be power failures, epidemics, drought, flood, severe winter or summer storms, wildfire, search and rescue, terrorism, and a hazardous materials incident. Not only does the EMA respond to emergency situations, it has an active role in providing ongoing training and support for emergency personnel while also educating and informing the general public about emergency preparedness.