EMERGENCY  MANAGEMENT

The Marion County Division of Emergency Management is committed to developing a coordinated and cooperative program that is a model through the State, Region, and Nation. Through this cooperative environment, it is possible to protect, prevent, respond, recover, and mitigate all identified hazards to build a resilient community. Today’s decisions will determine the future of the community’s readiness and resiliency. 

The Emergency Operations Center is Marion County’s multi-agency coordination center. County, municipal, state, federal and non-governmental organizations come to this center to coordinate response & recover to disasters or major pre-planned events. The EOC also serves as a location during blue skies for all our partners to conduct their meetings, seminars, trainings, presentations, or planning meetings. The EOC is a very active center that allows Emergency Management staff to work with and collaborate with our partners on a regular basis.

The Emergency Management Office provides county-wide planning, training and exercises to be prepared for disasters and incidents of national significance. Training activities include managing emergency operations to ensure a cohesive response to disaster situations.  

Our daily responsibilities include:

• Monitoring severe weather and tropical weather conditions;

• Provide response to natural, manmade and technological events;

• Develop and coordinate programs that will protect the public’s health and safety from large scale natural and technological hazards;

• Maintain a registry of special needs residents;

• Provide assistance to other emergency management programs;

• Provide mutual aid assistance to other jurisdictions;

• Comply with federal and state emergency management regulations and standards;

• Review emergency plans for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, ambulatory centers and hospitals;

• Collection and distribution of emergency related information;

• Conduct emergency and disaster preparedness seminars and trainings;

• Participate in emergency drills and exercises;

• Develop and maintain the County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; serve as a liaison to the Florida Division of Emergency Management

Mission 

Provide a comprehensive and aggressive emergency preparedness response, recovery, and mitigation program to save lives, protect property, and reduce the effects of disasters in Marion County.

Vision

To be recognized as an accomplished and trusted leader in emergency management that is known as ready, relevant, resilient and responsible.