Emergency Planning at the Local Government Level
Contents
- About Local Government Emergency Planning
- State Planning Documents
- General Emergency Planning References
- Emergency Planning Topics
- Proclaiming a Disaster or Emergency
- Obtaining Services, Supplies, and Materials
- Debris Removal After a Disaster
- Agencies and Organizations
- Related MRSC Pages
- Emergency Communication Services and Facilities
- Emergency Management for Water and Wastewater Systems
- Emergency Preparedness Planning for a Pandemic
- Links to Emergency Management Related Sites
- Local Organizations for Emergency Management
- Local Government Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans CEMP
- Snow and Ice on Public Right-of-Way
About Local Government Emergency Planning
Emergency management in Washington State is authorized by the laws contained in Chapter 38.52 RCW. The Washington State Military Department Division of Emergency Management administers the state emergency management program. State criteria for emergency management funds, workers, organizations, services and plans, and disaster recovery is outlined in Title 118 WAC.
Each political subdivision is authorized and directed to establish a local organization or to be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program (see RCW 38.52.070). More specifically, WAC 118-30-040 sets out the responsibilities of political subdivisions:
- Each political subdivision must establish an emergency management organization by ordinance or resolution passed by the legislative body of the political subdivision. Two or more political subdivisions may join in the establishment of an emergency management organization.
- Each political subdivision shall develop, promulgate and submit a comprehensive emergency management plan.
- Each political subdivision shall submit an emergency management program paper annually to the director not less than sixty days prior to the beginning of the calendar year.
- Political subdivisions that have joined together to form a joint emergency management organization may submit a single plan and program paper. Criteria for evaluating local emergency management/services organizations, plans and programs to ensure consistency with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program is outlined in Chapter 118-30 WAC.
State Planning Documents
- EMD Plans Topic Index
- Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) (
), 2003
- Washington State Emergency Operations Plan
- Washington Statewide Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2006-2011 (
)
General Emergency Planning References
- Are You Ready?, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), updated 2004 - An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness
- Critical Infrastructure Protection, FEMA
- Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans: Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (
)(CPG), 101 Version 2.0, 11/2010
- Elected Officials Guide to Emergency Management (
), WSEMA, 02/2003
- Fact Sheet on Obtaining and Using Employee Medical Information as Part of Emergency Evacuation Procedures, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Planning for a Sustainable Future: the Link Between Hazard Mitigation and Livability, FEMA Pub. No. 364, 2000
- Regional Disaster Resilience: A Guide for Developing an Action Plan (
), The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP), 2011 edition - The RDR Guide is designed for use by any practitioner or expert who wishes to improve the capabilities of their organization or community to withstand major incidents or disasters. Typical users include local officials, emergency management and homeland security directors; energy, transportation management, and environmental protection officials; utility and business owners and operators interested in improving security outside their businesses, and faith-based organizations and non-profits serving people in need or having other community health and safety missions.
- Rebuilding for a More Sustainable Future: An Operational Framework, FEMA Pub. No. 365, 2000
- Roles and Responsibilities of Chief Elected Officials (CEOs), AWC EM 101 Workshop, 2003
- Talking About Disaster: Guide for Standard Messages, American Red Cross, produced by the National Disaster Education Coalition, Washington, D.C., 2004
Emergency Planning Topics
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- The National Incident Management System (NIMS) was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide a system that would help emergency managers and responders from different jurisdictions and disciplines work together more effectively to handle emergencies and disasters. All Washington cities and counties needed to formally adopt the National Incident Management System (NIMS) by September 30, 2005 through an ordinance, resolution, or proclamation.
Continuity of Operations (COOP)
- Continuity of Operations Continuity Connection Video Series, U.S. Fire Administration - Topics: Continuity and You, Essential Functions, Alternate Operating Facilities, Vital Files, Databases, and Records, Leadership and Staff, COOP Plan Development, Communications and technology, Gaining Executive Support, Continuity: The Pandemic Scenario, Delegation of Authority and Orders of Succession, Test, Training, and Exercise Program, Devolution, Reconstitution
- Continuity of Operations (COOP) - Federal Emergency Management Agency Region , Introduction to State and Local EOP Planning Guidance - State and local governments should consider developing or updating contingency plans for the continuity of operations (COOP) of vital government functions. Jurisdictions must be prepared to continue their minimum essential functions throughout the spectrum of possible threats from natural disasters through acts of terrorism. COOP planning facilitates the performance of State and local government and services during an emergency that may disrupt normal operations. See also Local Government Pandemic Preparedness Planning
- Planning for Continuity of Government (
), Best Practices Fact Sheet, National Governor's Association, 11/2003
- Seattle Continuity of Government & Continuity of Operations, Appendix 4 (
28 MB), Seattle Disaster Readiness Response Plan, Vol I
- Walla Walla County Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), 07/2004
- Planning for Continuity of Government (
Continuity of Government (COG)
- NFPA 1600 Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs (
), 2004 Edition
- Examples of Continuity of Government (COG) in Washington State:
- Battle Ground Ordinance No. 06-03 (
) - Emergency Management, passed 03/2006 - See Continuity of Government Section
- Fircrest Ordinance No. 1347 (
) - Conditions for Succession, passed 06/2004
- King County Delegated Line of Succession (County Executive), Administrative Policy ACO 8-1-24 (AEO), 07/22/2009 - Note this policy changes, check for updates
- Pierce County Ordinance No. 2006-29s (
)
- Pierce County Ordinance No. 2009-13 (
) - Alternative Branch Offices Authorized for Use by Council During a Declared Emergency
- San Juan County Continuity of Government (
), for San Juan County and Friday Harbor in San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, Appendix F
- Union Gap Municipal Code Sec. 2.88.020 - Line of Succession
- Battle Ground Ordinance No. 06-03 (
Personnel - Reporting to Work in Declared Emergency
- Anacortes Personnel Policy 701 Attendance and Punctuality (
), Comment 5 - Inclement Weather
- Bellevue Personnel Manual Sec. 4.4 (
), 1998 - Duty to Report to Work in the Event of a Disaster/Emergency
- Bellingham Personnel Policies Policy 7.01.12 (
), 1996 - Reporting and Compensation Guidelines for City Employees During a Declared Emergency and Policy 7.01.13, Declared Emergency Assignment
- Olympia Administrative Guideline No. 11 (
), 2002 - Duty to Report to Work in Disaster/Emergency
- Renton Policies and Procedures Policy Policy 350-04 (
), 2005 - Inclement Weather Natural Disasters
- Woodland Ordinance No. 1003 - Personnel Policies Section 12(g) - Unusual/Inclement Weather Conditions
Assessment of Planning
- Emergency Management Self Assessment Guide (
), AWC EM 101 Workshop, 2003
- Lessons From Katrina and Rita - What Major Disasters Can Teach Transportation Planners (
), Victoria Transport Policy Institute, September 2005 - Examines failures in hurricane Katrina and Rita emergency response and their lessons for transportation planning
- A Region at Risk: Improving Our Readiness to Respond to Disaster (
): An Examination of the December 14, 2006 Windstorm and its Effects on Vulnerable Populations and Nonprofit Human Services Agencies in King County, Report and Recommendations of the United Way of King County Task Force on Emergency Preparedness, Karen Reed Consulting, March 20, 2007
Proclaiming a Disaster or Emergency
Statutes
- Cities and towns less than 300,000 population RCW 35.33.081
- Cities more than 300,000 population RCW 35.32A.060
- Counties RCW 36.40.180
- All political subdivisions RCW 38.52.070 (2)
- Other
- Ch. 42.14 RCW - Continuity of Government - Provisions for conducting business in the event of an enemy attack
- WAC 246-100-070 - Enforcement of Local Health Officer Orders
Policies and Ordinance Provisions
- Poulsbo Municipal Code Ch. 2.60 - Emergency Proclamations
- San Juan County Code Sec. 2.48.100 - Disaster Declarations
- Seattle Mayoral Prerogatives in Seattle Disaster Readiness Response Plan, Vol I (
24 MB)
- Seattle City Council Prerogatives in Seattle Disaster Readiness Response Plan, Vol I (
24 MB)
- Spokane Municipal Code Ch. 2.04 - Civil Emergencies
- Vancouver Municipal Code Ch. 2.12 - Emergency Management
Sample Local Government Proclamations
- Bothell Proclamation of Local Emergency (
), 12/03/2007 - Flooding
- Chehalis Resolution No. 18-90, Declaring an Emergency, 11/26/1990 - Flood
- Des Moines Executive Order Proclaiming an Emergency, 02/28/2001 - Earthquake
- Grandview Water Emergency Proclamation No. 2001-03 (
), 04/2001
- King County Local Proclamation of an Emergency, 02/28/2001 - Earthquake
- Lake Forest Park Resolution No. 1099 (
) - Rescinds Emergency Declaration of 12/03/2007
- Mountlake Terrace Resolution No. 491 (
)- Declaring an Emergency, 12/29/1996 - Snow Conditions
- Tacoma Resolution No. 33303 and Proclamation of Emergency (
), 02/1996 - Flooding and Mudslides
Civil Disturbances
- Mayoral Proclamation of Civil Emergency, City of Seattle, 11/30/1999
- Local Proclamation of Civil Emergency Order, General Curfew, City of Seattle, 12/01/1999
- Local Proclamation of Civil Emergency Order Number 2, Restriction on Gas Masks, City of Seattle, 12/01/1999
Obtaining Services, Supplies and Materials
- Emergencies (
) in The County Bidding Book for Washington, Municipal Research and Services Center, Report No. 56 Revised, November 2009
- Mutual Aid and Interlocal Agreement Handbook (
), Washington State Emergency Management Division
- Emergency Relief Program, WSDOT - Highways and Local Programs
- Emergencies (
) in The Bidding Book for Washington Cities and Towns, Municipal Research and Services Center Report No. 52, Revised 2010
- National Emergency Management Network (NEMN) - A nationwide network of local governments, nonprofit, and private sector organizations launched by ICMA and the Public Entity Risk Institute in September 2006.
Debris Removal After a Disaster
- Debris Management, FEMA
- Focus on Disposing of Storm and Flood Debris (
), Pub. 07-02-002, Department of Ecology, 01/2007
- Emergency Tree Removal Procedures - Storm Clean-up, MRSC
Agencies and Organizations
Federal Agencies
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- FEMA Region X
- Federal Highway Administration Emergency Transportation Operations
- Disaster Assistance: Access to Disaster Help and Resources - US Government site that combines the disaster resources of several federal agencies in one central location.
- StormReady Communities, NOAA National Weather Service
National Organizations
- The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP) - A non-profit partnership to be a national asset facilitating dialogue on domestic infrastructure security and offering sources of technical support and sources for comment on public policy, related to the security of the nation's built environment.
- International Association of Emergency Managers
Washington State Agencies and Organizations
- Emergency Management Division, Washington State Military Department
- Washington Emergency Management Association

