scenic picture from Washington state
   
Subjects › Public Safety › Emergency Management › Emergency Planning at the Local Government Level
Updated 04/2012

Emergency Planning at the Local Government Level

Contents

Introduction

This page is one of a series of MRSC pages on Emergency Management and Disater Planning topics. This page provides reference links to many of the policies and procedures that are mandated or recommended by federal and state emergency management agencies. It provides examples of local policy provisions and other documents related to the mandatory or recommended practices. Links are also provided to agencies and organizations associated with emergency management planning.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Each political subdivision shall develop, promulgate and submit a comprehensive emergency management plan.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

General Emergency Planning References

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

Continuity of Government (COG)

Personnel - Reporting to Work in Declared Emergency

Assessment of Planning

Proclaiming a Disaster or Emergency

Statutes

Policies and Ordinance Provisions

Sample Local Government Proclamations

Many of these examples are from the last decade, but they serve as illustrations of the various disasters declared by local governments

Civil Disturbances

Obtaining Services, Supplies and Materials

  • Emergencies (Adobe Acrobat Document) in The County Bidding Book for Washington, Municipal Research and Services Center Report No. 56, Revised, 2009
  • Emergencies (Adobe Acrobat Document) in The Bidding Book for Washington Cities and Towns, Municipal Research and Services Center Report No. 52, Revised, 2010
  • Mutual Aid and Interlocal Agreement Handbook (Adobe Acrobat Document), Washington State Emergency Management Division, 2009
  • Emergency Relief Program, Washington State Department of Transportation, Highways and Local Programs

Debris Removal After a Disaster

Agencies and Organizations

Federal Agencies

National Organizations

Washington State Agencies and Organizations

Need more information?

Feel free to Ask MRSC. Washington cities, counties, and our contract partners can call or email MRSC for more information and advice - free of charge.