Emergency Preparedness
The Emergency Preparedness Division develops and administers critical emergency management plans for mitigating natural and man-made emergencies, such as severe weather events and large-scale hazardous materials incidents. This division also oversees the Duval County Emergency Operations Center, which is the hub of decision-making among a variety of public agencies during times of crisis. Because Jacksonville has been designated by Homeland Security as a high-risk urban area, Emergency Preparedness’ responsibilities also include managing and coordinating homeland security preparedness programs for 13 surrounding counties. This division has seven employees.
Each year, Emergency Preparedness staff applies for funding or manages funding from various homeland security grants administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This funding augments local public safety without placing a financial burden on the city’s general fund. The division also recruits and trains local residents for Community Emergency Response Teams or CERT. This training unites neighbors in their communities and helps them to recognize, respond and recover from a major emergency or disaster.
2011 Budget:
The Emergency Preparedness Division’s budget is $1,094,824.
2010 Budget:
The Emergency Preparedness Division’s budget was $1,186,955.
Did You Know?
Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division is the first fully accredited local emergency management program in the nation. The accreditation process is voluntary and involves peer review and self-assessment, fostering continuous improvement in emergency management at the local and state levels.