Boone County Emergency Management
What Is Emergency Management?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security / Federal Emergency Management Agency (F EM A) is the federal agency responsible for emergency management functions for the federal government. At the state level, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has established the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to develop the comprehensive emergency management program for the Commonwealth. Boone County Emergency Management is the agency responsible for implementing a comprehensive emergency management program at the local level for Boone County including the Cities of Florence, Union and Walton.
Kentucky Revised Statute Chapter 39 ( KRS 39 ) requires each county government within the Commonwealth of Kentucky to create a local emergency management agency. The primary function of the emergency management agency as outlined in KRS 39 is the development of a comprehensive emergency management program which includes the mitigation of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from threats to public safety from all major natural and man-made hazards. Examples of such hazards include; severe weather of all types, earthquakes, chemical, biological, and radiological hazardous material incidents, public health emergencies, civil disorder, acts of terrorism, explosions, power failure, aircraft and other transportation related emergencies, mass casualty incidents, as well as any other threats to the health and safety of the public.
The first step toward an effective comprehensive emergency management program is to perform a hazard analysis for the county. Determining what types of emergency events pose the greatest risk, and identify areas of the county that are more vulnerable to specific threats such as hazardous material incidents or flooding. This information is then incorporated into the Boone County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which is the primary tool for implementing the comprehensive emergency management program for the county. Within this plan are the basic operational response guidelines for emergency response agencies to utilize when responding to major emergencies and disasters. Training and exercises involving emergency response agencies are also important elements of verifying the effectiveness of the EOP.
Boone County Emergency Management personnel include a director that is appointed by the Boone County Judge-Executive, two Deputy Directors, and an Office Manager. Boone County Water Rescue operates as a division of Boone County Emergency Management.
The Boone County Emergency Management staff recognizes that as Boone County continues to grow so does the need for effective preparedness and response to ensure the best possible protection of life, health, and property. Boone County Emergency Management maintains a progressive approach toward providing a safe living environment through modern methods and technology.
