Skip to content

Emergency Management

Share | 

Emergency Management

The Washington County Emergency Management Office plays a different role during each of the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, planning, response, recovery.  Before it was known as the Emergency Management Office it was known as Washington County Civil Defense.

Under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, Washington County developed a local hazard mitigation plan.  Mitigation involves both physical projects (such as elimination of construction in flood zones) and public education and community outreach efforts.  The EM Office takes the lead in analyzing threats to the community.  Working along with other agencies the EM Office develops a plan to address the most severe and frequent threats, protect critical infrastructure, and improve the overall safety of the community.

During the planning phase, the EM office staff uses the risk analysis undertaken during the mitigation phase to develop a series of plans: The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) manual.  The EOP, which describes how the community’s resources will be organized and deployed in the event of a disaster, must be based on the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

During the response phase the EM office assures that the EOP is being followed.  The EM staff has the overall responsibility for the smooth functioning of the EOC.  The EOC is ready to support those who are responding to the disaster. The EOC, when activated, coordinates mutual aid if it is needed and keeps tracks of expenses incurred during the response phase.

During the recovery phase the EM office works with State and Federal agencies to obtain financial assistance under the Stafford Act and related state laws.  This office provides the coordination of documentation on the disaster on the basis of EOC records, and works with departments involved in the response to obtain further documentation of reimbursable expenses.

Emergency Preparedness

Click Here

Hazard Mitigation Plan

Click Here

Emergency Management Resources

Emergency Management

100 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740

Phone: (240) 313-2921

Email: [email protected]

TTY users may call any government office
through the Maryland Relay Service
1-800-735-2258

Liberal Leave is in effective for Washington County Government

LIBERAL LEAVE IS IN EFFECT FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Liberal leave is in effect for all non-essential personal on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, until noon. Essential personnel are expected to fulfill their duties as usual.

The starting time for today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting will be reevaluated at 9:00 am.

For those required to travel, exercise caution on the roadways. If driving is necessary, ensure your vehicle is completely cleared, drive at a reduced speed, practice caution, and avoid crowding or passing plows.
 
We’ll keep the public informed of any changes. Stay updated by monitoring Washington County Government’s website and social media channels for the latest information. Your safety is our priority!