Emergency Management’s Office

LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMISSIONS

Iowa Code, Chapter 29C.9 calls for the establishment of Local Emergency Management Commissions to oversee local emergency management functions within each county.  The Commission is comprised of a member of the County Board of Supervisors, the sheriff, and the mayor from each city within the county. 

 According to Iowa Code 29C.10, the Emergency Management Commission shall appoint an emergency management coordinator and delegate their authority in order to fulfill the Commission’s duties as described in the Code of Iowa and the Administrative Rules.  When a disaster or emergency occurs, the emergency management coordinator shall  provide coordination and assistance to the governing officials of the municipalities and the county.

 Examples of the functions and responsibilities of Commissions as outlined in the associated Iowa Administrative Code, Section 605, Chapter 7 include:

•   Develop and maintain the Comprehensive Emergency Plan, and test this plan through exercises.
•  Develop and establish a warning system.
•  Assist other governmental entities within the county in developing organizational plans and training programs.
•  Develop standard operating procedures for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and supervise EOC Operations.
•   Maintain inventory of resources.
•  Prepare and present an agency budget.
•  Maintain liaison with local, county and state offices.
•  Direct training of staff and volunteers, and assist cities and the county with its training programs.
•  Prepare informational material for dissemination to the public.
•  Meet with interested groups to explain the emergency management program and enlist their support and cooperation.  

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Iowa Code 29C.10 designates that the commission or joint commission shall appoint an emergency management coordinator who shall serve at the pleasure of the commission and shall be responsible for the development of the emergency operations plan, coordination of emergency planning activities, and provide technical assistance to political subdivisions throughout the county.  When an emergency occurs, the emergency management coordinator provides coordination and assistance to the governing officials of the municipalities and the county.