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Subjects › Public Safety › Emergency Management › Emergency Planning at the Local Government Level
Updated 04/2011

Emergency Planning at the Local Government Level

Contents

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

  • Anacortes Personnel Policy 701 Attendance and Punctuality (Adobe Acrobat Document), Comment 5 - Inclement Weather
  • Bellevue Personnel Manual Sec. 4.4 (Adobe Acrobat Document), 1998 - Duty to Report to Work in the Event of a Disaster/Emergency
  • Bellingham Personnel Policies Policy 7.01.12 (Adobe Acrobat Document), 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 (Adobe Acrobat Document), 2002 - Duty to Report to Work in Disaster/Emergency
  • Renton Policies and Procedures Policy Policy 350-04 (Adobe Acrobat Document), 2005 - Inclement Weather Natural Disasters
  • Woodland Ordinance No. 1003 - Personnel Policies Section 12(g) - Unusual/Inclement Weather Conditions

Assessment of Planning

Proclaiming a Disaster or Emergency

Statutes

Policies and Ordinance Provisions

Sample Local Government Proclamations

Civil Disturbances

Obtaining Services, Supplies and Materials

Debris Removal After a Disaster

Agencies and Organizations

Federal Agencies

National Organizations

Washington State Agencies and Organizations

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