EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The Health and Safety Act of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Title 35) directs that the Township establish a local Emergency Management Organization in accordance with the plan and program of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). Accordingly, the North Huntingdon Township Emergency Management Organization is established in order to accomplish the following Mission:
- To reduce the vulnerability of Township residents and their properties to injury, damage and loss resulting from natural or man-made disasters;
- to coordinate and manage the prompt and efficient rescue, care and treatment of persons threatened or victimized by disaster;
- to coordinate and manage the rapid and orderly restoration of vital services to Township residents and businesses following disasters;
- to coordinate and manage the rapid recovery from disasters by Township residents and businesses;
- to effectively educate the public regarding their responsibilities in preparing for and responding to disasters affecting their homes, businesses and the Township.
To accomplish this Mission, the Township appoints a Local Emergency Management Coordinator who is responsible for the planning, administration and operation of the Township's Emergency Management Organization. The Emergency Management Coordinator is assisted by two Deputy Coordinators and a staff made up of township residents. All Emergency Management personnel are volunteers.
The Township is required to establish, equip and maintain an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The Township EOC is equipped with communications and information systems used to support government operations and to manage the response to and recovery from an emergency incident or disaster.
The Township is required to prepare, maintain and keep current a disaster Emergency Operation Plan (EOP). This plan, which is consistent with the Commonwealth's Emergency Managment Plan, outlines steps for the prevention and minimimization of injury and damage caused by natural or man-made disasters. It also describes steps to be taken to facilitate the coordination and management of the response to and recovery from such incidents.
