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About Emergency Management
Josh Stevens, Coordinator,
330 West 2nd Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501
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On This Page
- What Is Emergency Management
- Local Emergency Planning Group
- Homeland Security
- Meet the Emergency Management Coordinator
What Is E.M. | back to top
Local emergency management is addressed in Iowa Code Chapter 29C and in Iowa Administrative Code 605 Chapter 7. All items concerning emergency management are outlined in these codes. Complying with the mandates requires a high level of commitment on the part of the local emergency management agency.
Membership on the Emergency Management Commission is specified in Chapter 29C.9 and states the following: The commission shall be comprised of a member of the board of supervisors or its appointed representative, the sheriff or the sheriff’s representative and the mayor or mayor’s representative from each city in the county. The commission is required by law to hire an Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) who is charged with carrying out the program of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). The Administrative Code outlines the responsibilities of the Coordinator in implementing the county program.
Local Planning Group | back to top
A Local Emergency Planning Committee, often referred to as a LEPC, is a group of both public and private local stakeholders. These groups are established in an Emergency Planning District designated by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC).
The LEPC was established to meet the requirements of the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), also known as the Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization Act (SARA, Title III), for emergency response planning. One benefit of having an LEPC is seen during development of the emergency operations plan. Having view points from private and public entities both, ensures that our plans are as comprehensive and complete as possible. Another benefit for having a LEPC is evident when a disaster occurs. Having partners from the public and private sector who have worked together before disasters occur, can facilitate a more rapid and effective response.
Homeland Security | back to top
The emergency management coordinator for Wapello County is also the Homeland Security liaison to the State of Iowa who coordinates with the Federal Department of Homeland Security. These duties include advising on the preparation for and response to any terrorist acts or natural disasters that occur within Wapello County. Duties also include partnering with local law enforcement, EMS, public health and fire service to provide training and education.
Meet Your E.M. Coordinator | back to top
Josh Stevens has been the Emergency Management Coordinator since July 2009 when the position grew from part- to full-time. The Emergency Management Commission felt that a full-time coordinator was justified due to the number of declared disasters in the past five years. Before coming to Wapello County, Stevens worked in the Mahaska County Emergency Management Office.