Lake County, OHIO
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Larry D. Greene, Director
Emergency Management Agency
Board of County Commissioners
Robert E. Aufuldish, Raymond E. Sines,
Daniel P. Troy
Our MissionThe Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) coordinates activities to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, both natural and man-made.
Agency Profile
Established under the 5502 Chapter of the Ohio Revised Code, and operating under the authority of the Board of County Commissioners, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency coordinates disaster and large-scale emergency response and recovery at the county level. Utilizing a tiered approach, State and Federal assistance is requested through the EMA when all available local resources are committed and/or a “State of Emergency” is declared.
EMA focuses on the four phases of emergency management namely:
Mitigation We work with our local governments to lessen the effect of disasters and large-scale emergencies. Through development of an All-Hazards Mitigation Plan adopted by all 23 political subdivisions, proactive steps are taken to address identified risks and vulnerabilities facing Lake County and its 233,000 residents. Mitigation projects can range from public awareness campaigns to securing grants for the purchase of homes located in flood-prone areas.
Preparedness An important duty of EMA is preparedness. To ensure response capabilities exist at all levels, we work closely with our cities, townships and villages to develop integrated emergency plans and conduct exercises to test those plans. EMA oversees distribution of federal homeland security grant funds to purchase equipment for first responders, protect critical infrastructure and enhance communications capabilities. Partners in these activities include public safety, public works, engineering, health/medical, government officials, volunteer organizations and the private sector.
Response In a disaster or large-scale incident, EMA initiates activation of the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located in Kirtland. Following guidelines adopted from the National Incident Management System (NIMS), trained facility staff gather to support local response efforts through direction and control, resource allocation and coordination with State and Federal agencies. To further assist in this role, EMA maintains a Mobile Command Vehicle equipped with a variety of communications and computer equipment. A specially-designed motor home, the ComVan, serves as a forward Incident Command Post (ICP) for first responders when needed.
Recovery EMA serves as the primary point-of-contact for State and Federal disaster assistance. Since 2003, Lake County has been the recipient of three Presidential declarations, the most disastrous being the flood of 2006. When a Presidential declaration is issued, EMA coordinates with the State of Ohio and FEMA to perform damage assessments, process Individual and Public Assistance applications, handle paperwork and, more importantly, return the lives of affected residents back to normal as soon as possible.
Please take some time to explore EMA’s website. Valuable information on personal safety, preparedness and volunteer opportunities are contained in the links. Finally, if you have any questions regarding the agency, don’t hesitate to call or email us at the following numbers and addresses:
Contact Information
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Send mail to
cheral.white@lakecountyohio.gov with
questions or comments about this web site.
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