Emergency Management Agency


Emergency Management is the process of coordinating available resources to deal with emergencies effectively, thereby saving lives, avoiding injury, and minimizing economic loss.

History of Emergency Management

It all started when Congress enacted the Civil Defense Act of 1950, which created the Civil Defense. The Act was amended in 1979 and created the Federal Emergency Management Agency. States likewise enacted laws that provided for disaster planning and response. 

Title 10 of the Indiana Code

Title 10 of the Indiana Code created a State Emergency Management Agency and mandates that every jurisdiction within the state will be protected by a local (preferably a county wide) Emergency Management agency. View Title 10 of the Indiana Code

Emergency Management Agency Responsibilities

Day to day functions of Jefferson County Emergency Management are performed by the Executive Director and Deputy Director. 

Jefferson County Emergency Management assists public safety agencies in all types of disasters including natural, technological / man-made and national security emergencies. Jefferson County Ordinance establishes and defines the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency to provide for all necessary and indispensable powers and procedures reasonably needed to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency conditions.

State & Federal Resources

Jefferson County Emergency Management is the local link to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency who provide financial assistance in the event of a significant disaster, as well as assisting in obtaining homeland security grant funding from State and Federal Agencies.

For more information, visit Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Public Services Provided

  • Communications
  • Community Warning Systems
  • Damage Assessment after a major incident/disaster
  • Evacuation/Sheltering
  • Flood monitoring
  • Hazardous Materials Response
  • Information
  • Major Fire Support
  • Roads and Transportation Status
  • Speakers Bureau
  • Training
  • Weather Data