Emergency Management

Mission

The mission of Emergency Management is to provide the residents of Morton County with security and protection from many different elements. It is our role as a member of emergency services to provide the necessary information vital to the other responding departments and to help develop an all-hazard emergency operations plan.

Overview

Our coverage area is approximately 729 square miles and has a population of approximately 3,143 in 2013.

After September 11, 2001, our mission has increased in size by adding terrorism and bioterrorism planning into our local emergency operations plan and becoming even more involved in helping coordinate with other departments in the protection of our community.

Emergency Management Defined

Emergency Management is the coordination of local responders, state and federal agencies, and volunteer organizations. An Emergency Management program enhances protection of the community and its citizens when disaster strikes through planning, preparedness, training, and education.

Kansas law requires every municipality and county to have a state approved Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), and to appoint an Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC). The EMCs, in conjunction with local governments, are responsible for coordinating the necessary actions to protect lives and property before, during, and after times of disaster and/or emergency.

Responsibilities

The Morton County Emergency Manager coordinates and advises local officials before, during, and following disasters. The Emergency Manager raises awareness of potential and existing problems and suggests solutions based on the needs of the community and the resources available. During times of crises, the Emergency Manager keeps local officials apprised of situations so they can make the best decisions possible for response and recovery efforts.

Public education and citizen preparedness play a large role. It is important that the public be aware of the power they possess to take care of themselves first, before a greater response is needed.

Preparedness

No matter who you are or where you live, you can be sure that some type of weather is going to happen every day. It may be sunny skies and balmy breezes or a cool, crisp day in the fall, but there is always the potential for severe weather, such as:

  • Hail
  • High winds
  • Sleet
  • Snowstorms
  • Thunderstorms
  • Tornadoes
  • Excessive heat
  • Drought
  • Wildfires

Man-Made Disasters

Although most of the disasters we face in Kansas are weather-related, there is also the possibility of a man-made disaster:

  • A toxic chemical spill
  • Biological threats
  • Explosions

Because the potential for a natural or man-made disaster is always present, ask yourself, "Is my family prepared?"