Emergency Services

When disaster strikes in Emanuel County, it’s the cool, calm, and collected teamwork between E-911 and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) that keeps response efforts on track. At the helm is Martha Culbreth, who leads both departments with the expertise to handle emergencies of all scales.

Housed together in the county’s new state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center, or "EOC" for short, these teams work hand-in-hand to ensure the safety and resilience of our community. Completed in the summer of 2023 after breaking ground in early 2021, the construction of this facility was funded entirely by storm reimbursement savings—not property taxes. The center includes a 60-seat conference room equipped with five 90" televisions with split-sourcing and remote-in capabilities, providing real-time communication during critical events. Other features include sleeping quarters, a dispatch room, and office space for E-911, EMA, and county public safety leaders. With a fully equipped kitchen and backup generator, this facility is built to support sustained emergency operations, keeping Emanuel County prepared for any crisis. 

The functionality and significance of the new EOC was put on full display during Hurricane Helene in fall 2024 when the facility saw its first full-scale use. E-911 maintained essential communication lines and directed emergency calls while EMA orchestrated response logistics, resource allocation, and real-time updates to residents. This partnership enables a comprehensive approach to safety that few counties achieve, ensuring Emanuel is ready to handle everything from everyday emergencies to large-scale disasters.

To further enhance emergency response across Emanuel County, Emergency Services is actively working with the county’s IT team on one of the county’s most ambitious and costly projects to date: transitioning the countywide radio system from analog to digital. The new system has undergone initial testing, and construction at most radio tower sites is nearly complete with only one site awaiting final clearance from the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Once this step is complete, preparations will begin to bring the system fully online with an expected launch in 2025.

This state-of-the-art upgrade will significantly improve communication clarity, reliability, and coordination among all emergency responders, benefiting both residents and visitors. Emanuel County Emergency Services is proud to play a leading advisory role in this collaborative effort, ensuring the new system meets the high standards required for rapid, reliable response in any situation.