Office of Emergency Management

Department Members

General Information

The Office of Emergency Management directs and coordinates the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC). The Director of Emergency Management is the liaison between the Federal and State Office of Homeland Security and the LEPC for the Town of Southbury.

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for maximizing survival of human life, for preventing and/or minimizing injuries, and for preserving property and resources in the Town of Southbury by making use of all available manpower, equipment, and other resources in the event of a disaster (natural or man-made crisis, national security threat/ terrorist emergency situation).

The OEM shall provide direction and guidance to local government officials for continuity of services and protection during disaster situations.

The OEM shall provide for the integration of resources and capabilities of town government and the private sector for hazard mitigation, survival and recovery operations when any disaster threatens or occurs.

The OEM shall define the role and responsibilities of local government, quasi-government organizations and private agencies for the preparation and conduct of emergency operations prior to, during and/or after a disaster, whether man-made, natural, or technological.

The OEM shall provide a basis for the preparation of detailed emergency operating procedures and training by local government and support organizations assigned emergency responsibilities.

The Department of Homeland Security is working hard to strengthen our Nation's security. Whenever possible, we want to stop terrorist attacks before they happen. All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an attack. While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, as you will see by using the links below, there are important differences among potential terrorist threats that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.

GET A KIT

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust Mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

MAKE A PLAN

• Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
• Teach family members how to use text messaging (also knows as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
• Subscribe to alert services and sign up for Emergency Notifications to receive emergency community alerts.

BE INFORMED

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. However, there are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them.

In addition, learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. Knowing what to do during an emergency is an important part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.