Officials have distinct roles before, during, and after disasters. Pre-disaster, they advocate risk reduction through codes and planning. During disasters, they rely on emergency managers’ expertise, empowering them to make decisions and foster communication. After disasters, officials focus on resilience through investments and assistance programs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published the “Local Elected and Appointed Officials Guide: Roles and Resources in Emergency Management” in 2022 to aid local elected officials in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. It identifies roles and responsibilities for local leaders before, during, and after disasters, including:
Understanding Threats and Hazards
Resources are available to help senior officials understand the threats and hazards that present the greatest risks to their communities and how to reduce those risks.
- Officials must grasp potential threats, from natural disasters to emerging risks like cyberattacks and active shooters.
- Regular communication with emergency managers and risk assessments provides insights into threats and their impact on well-being, infrastructure, and the economy.
- Learning from past experiences is pivotal. Sharing insights and documenting lessons learned can cultivate effective leadership.
- In a climate-affected world, disaster preparedness faces new and amplified challenges. Impacts vary based on geography and land use. As temperatures rise, some areas confront intensified rainfall and flooding, while others grapple with heightened wildfire threats. These challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities and vulnerable populations.
- Embedding emergency management principles within a community is crucial, especially as new risks emerge. This requires comprehensive strategies that encompass risk assessment, long-term resilience planning, and adaptation. By adopting strategies that protect lives, assets, and economic stability, communities can bolster their resilience.
Collaboration with Emergency Management
- Collaborating with emergency management personnel forms a cooperative framework, leveraging expertise and insights for effective disaster planning.
- Collaboration between officials and emergency managers is pivotal. For emergency managers, liaisons between private sector entities and critical infrastructure leaders enhance communication and cooperation during response and recovery.
- Embedding emergency management principles within a community is crucial, especially as new risks emerge. This requires comprehensive strategies that encompass risk assessment, long-term resilience planning, and adaptation. By adopting strategies that protect lives, assets, and economic stability, communities can bolster their resilience.
Fostering Community Collaboration
Officials encourage collaboration among diverse stakeholders, bringing groups together for robust disaster response and recovery plans.
- Equitable planning involves engaging with underserved communities. Policies must be evaluated through an equity lens, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. Allocating resources to support underserved populations before disasters strike mitigate their vulnerability during crises.
- Recognizing the potential consequences of disasters starts with understanding demographics. Priority should be placed on historically underserved populations, individuals with disabilities, and those with special needs requiring extra assistance during crises. Tools like the Social Vulnerability Index offer insights into communities needing additional support in disaster preparation and recovery.
- Emergency managers, sources of insights into regional vulnerabilities, play a pivotal role in this process. Disaster consequences span the spectrum, from injuries to psychological distress. FEMA’s Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool equips officials with insights, enabling informed decisions.
We encourage you to review the material to be prepared for an emergency in your municipality and share it with your municipal professionals.