Kentucky law requires that each County and City maintain an Emergency Management Department which shall serve the public safety interest of the local government. KRS Chapter 39B. Boone County Emergency Management has been established as the Emergency Management Department for Boone County and by interlocal agreement the Cities of Florence, Union and Walton. Boone County Emergency Management operates under the guidelines prescribed in KRS Chapter 39A-F and Boone County Code of Ordinances Chapter 36.

The primary function of Boone County Emergency Management is the development of a comprehensive emergency management program including an Emergency Operations Plan. The comprehensive emergency management program addresses the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to and recovery from major threats to public safety from emergencies and disasters which cause, or threaten to cause, loss of life, serious injury, significant damage to property, or major harm to public health or the environment.