Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Iowa: An Overview Bob Seivert, Coordinator Shelby County

History of Emergency MGT We need to know where we have been to better understand where should go! 1950’s Nuclear War, Civil Defense 1980’s Natural Disaster, Disaster Services 2000’s Terrorism & Weapons of Mass Destruction, Homeland Security

Emergency Management Structure

Emergency Management Hierarchy Federal Level –FEMA –Department of Homeland Security State Level –Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management –Other State agencies Local Level –Local Emergency Management Commissions

DHS/FEMA FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security upon its founding Old emergency management grants still exist under FEMA New homeland security grants exist under DHS

HLSEM Became Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management July 1, 2003 Duties –Administer grants –Coordinate planning

Local Emergency Management Commissions Work to meet emergency management/homeland security needs in the county Membership set by law (29C.9) -Board of Supervisors -Sheriff -Mayors

Commission Duties Develop mission Appoint and train county emergency management coordinator Develop Countywide Emergency Operations Plan Develop mutual aid agreements Encourage participation in exercises

Shelby County Sample Mission Statement SHELBY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO SERVE THE CITIZENS OF SHELBY COUNTY WITH COMPREHENSIVE, INTEGRATED, PLANNING, RESPONSE, RECOVERY, AND MITIGATION FROM ALL HAZARDS EFFECTING LIFE, PROPERTY, AND ECONOMY, and furthermore To serve as the Point of Contact for homeland security and to support our emergency responders.

29C

Overview Text of 29C provides codified duties for emergency management and homeland security in Iowa –Local emergency management commissions/emergency management agencies –Countywide planning

In Times of Disaster…

Emergency Managers Role Key leader in planning, Develops partnerships to prepare, respond, recover, and mitigate Coordinates key players during responses Coordinates resources with Incident Command Advises Elected Officials Liaison with outside agencies

Disaster Response

Role of Local/Elected Official in Disaster Most roles depend on unique city procedures –Most cities use Mayor for public information –Review county and local emergency operations plans for duties –State assistance is requested through the County Coordinator –ELECTED OFFICIAL IS NOT THE INCIDENT COMMANDER –However, is responsible for the safety and wellfare of all citizens in their jurisdiction!

Governor’s Proclamation Determined by nature and scope of the event Beyond local government capabilities State resources needed Requested through HLSEM Brings resources, NOT money

Presidential Declaration Emergency conditions or joint PDA Requested by the Governor Two types –Emergency –Major disaster Initiates Federal Response Plan Coordinated under FEMA ESF Structure Brings Recovery Dollars –Individual Assistance –Public Assistance –Mitigation Assistance

Recovery Many different grant and assistance programs available through state and nationally –Public Assistance –Individual Assistance –Small Business Loans –Mitigation Grants

Do you know? Where your plan is? What your role is within that plan? Who to go to find out? When the next disaster or terrorist event will occur? Because your citizens will count on you to lead them with coordinated and timely resources and information!

Thank You! Please make contact with your local emergency manager. The mission and duties of each local coordinator vary slightly from county to county.