Emergency Management Agency

The City of Effingham Emergency Management Agency is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within the City of Effingham to reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters.  We maintain all Effingham County tornado sirens; provide storm, cooling, and warming centers as needed; and work with the American Red Cross and Salvation Army to provide disaster relief to our area.

Vision

We continuously seek to promote a safer, less vulnerable community with the capacity to cope with and recover from hazards and disasters.

Mission

We protect the City of Effingham by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from, threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters.

Principles

• Comprehensive: Consider and take into account all hazards, all phases, all stakeholders and all impacts relevant to the disaster.
• Progressive: Anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build a disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient community.
• Risk Driven: Use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources.
• Integrated: Ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and elements of the community.
• Collaborative: Create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.
• Coordinated: Synchronize the activities of all relevant stakeholders to achieve a common purpose.
• Flexible: Use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges.
• Professional: Value a science and knowledge-based approach based on education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous improvement.

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