Emanuel County EMA

The Emanuel County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is dedicated to safeguarding the lives, property, and well-being of our community. In their day-to-day operations, the EMA team is constantly active in preparing for potential disasters through planning, training, and collaboration with local partners. However, during emergencies or major incidents, EMA fully "activates," mobilizing resources and personnel to manage real-time response efforts with precision and coordination. Operating out of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the EMA team works tirelessly to make Emanuel County resilient and ready for any crisis.

Core Responsibilities

The Emanuel County EMA team oversees a comprehensive range of local emergency programs, projects, and resources as required by state and federal guidelines. Through partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies—as well as businesses, nonprofits, and neighboring counties—EMA ensures that our community is prepared to face any challenge. Their key responsibilities include:

Planning and Preparedness: Preventing and Responding to Crises

The team’s primary focus is on prevention and preparedness. They develop and maintain emergency response plans for natural, technological, and human-caused hazards. These plans cover a variety of scenarios, from severe weather events and hazardous material incidents to large-scale disasters, ensuring that Emanuel County can respond swiftly and effectively. The EMA team also leads prevention and mitigation efforts to reduce long-term risks, working proactively to keep our community safer. Part of that work includes drafting, updating, and submitting for review our hazard mitigation plan, which we've included to keep you informed about Emanuel County's proactive safety measures.

24-Hour Coordination of Resources and Response Agencies

During any disaster, EMA provides around-the-clock coordination of resources and response agencies to ensure a seamless, unified approach. The team acts as the central link between law enforcement, fire services, EMS, public health departments, schools, businesses, nonprofits, neighboring counties, and state and federal agencies like the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This ongoing collaboration ensures that response strategies are aligned, communication flows smoothly, and help reaches those in need as quickly as possible.

Supporting Recovery

Once the immediate danger has passed, EMA shifts its focus to supporting residents and businesses as they recover. The team coordinates resources and assistance to help the community rebuild and restore normalcy as efficiently as possible, ensuring Emanuel County can move forward after a crisis.

Public Awareness and Education

Preparedness isn’t just EMA’s responsibility—it’s a community effort. That’s why the EMA team is committed to educating Emanuel County year-round on safety protocols and emergency preparedness. They offer a range of resources, including presentations, brochures, and public service announcements, to empower residents, civic organizations, and businesses to protect themselves and their property during emergencies. By taking these simple, proactive steps, everyone in our community plays a vital role in staying safe.

Preparedness Starts with You

While the EMA team leads Emanuel County’s emergency response, preparedness is a shared responsibility. Residents are encouraged to create personal emergency plans, assemble disaster supply kits, and stay informed about potential hazards. The team offers a variety of resources and programs to help individuals and families take these steps with confidence.

For up-to-date emergency alerts, sign up for CodeRED. This service is ran in tandem by Emanuel County 911 and Emanuel County EMA, providing real-time notifications about severe weather, evacuation notices, and other critical information to keep you informed and prepared.