Miami County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)
The primary responsibility of the Miami County Emergency Management Agency is to provide a comprehensive emergency management plan that coordinates personnel and resources in order to protect lives, property and the environment in Miami County, Ohio. This is accomplished by using an all hazards approach to provide mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery services that save lives, reduce injuries and economic loss, and enhance recovery from disasters.
The agency's dedicated team monitors the county for natural hazards and other emergency situations. During an emergency situation the agency coordinates the response of all local, county, state, and federal agencies and disseminates key information to the rest of the community. The agency is also responsible for restoring vital functioning components to the area that has been affected.
Ohio's emergency management system is established under the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 5502, which provides for a state emergency management agency, requiring an emergency management director or coordinator and an Emergency Operations Plan for each county. This law also establishes the legal protection and authority of the Emergency Management Agency to work in times of a disaster.
Managing natural hazards and other emergency situations is just one of the responsibilities. The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is another function that works daily for the safety of our citizens. The Miami County LEPC was established pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and shall prepare hazardous materials emergency plans that indicate the facilities that use, produce, or store hazardous substances that are present in Miami County. The Miami County Emergency Management Agency is an active member of the Miami County LEPC. There are 24 members of the LEPC representing regulated facilities, Red Cross, EMS, amateur radio, fire departments, law enforcement, elected officials, schools, health department, environmental protection, hospitals, and the media.