Office of Emergency Management

Emergency Management is both an agency and a philosophy. Emergency management is the discipline and profession of applying science, technology, planning and management to deal with extreme events that can injure or kill large numbers of people, do extensive damage to property, and disrupt community life.

There are four phases to emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

	Mitigation: Actions taken to eliminate or reduce the degree of long-term risk to human life and property from natural and technological hazards.
	Preparedness: Actions taken in advance of an emergency to develop operational capabilities and facilitate an effective response.
	Response: Actions taken immediately before, during, or directly after an emergency occurs, to save lives, minimize damage to property and enhance the effectiveness of recovery.
	Recovery: Activity to return vital life support systems to minimal operating standards and long-term activity designed to return life to normal.