Department Duties

The Pocahontas County Emergency Management coordinator manages all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters

• Assists with the deployment of response personnel, equipment, and supplies when a disaster strikes
• Deploys a mobile command center to ensure the safety of Pocahontas County residents
• Post-disaster clean up
• Assists with filing paperwork for state and federal agencies for reimbursement
• Seeks disaster status so federal and state funds can be dedicated to assist in disaster recovery
• Seeks grant funding for emergency response training, equipment, and vehicles (which allow emergency responders to be fully prepared and maintain the paramount objective of public safety during a disaster)

Importance of Emergency Management

County emergency management coordinators and agencies have a vital role in preparation for, response to, and recovery from disasters - both natural and man-made. County emergency management agencies are the backbone of the state's emergency management system. They provide coordination of local resources and work in partnership with the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department to ensure the emergency management and response communities have adequately planned, and are well-equipped, trained, and exercised.

Emergency Management works closely with state, county, and local emergency responders before and during a disaster to help safeguard the people and families of Pocahontas County. The Emergency Management Coordinator also oversees the Pocahontas County Emergency Response Team – a group of trained volunteers who assist with public safety during large-scale emergencies.

Local, State, and Federal Cooperation

In addition to the local facilities and services, Pocahontas County works with many state organizations like the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division as well as with federal agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) and the United States Department of Homeland Security.

This office works locally with:

• Emergency medical services
• Fire departments
• Hospitals
• Law enforcement agencies
• Public health
• Public works
• Utilities (such as pipelines, electric lines, and water)