When disasters threaten or strike a jurisdiction, people expect elected leaders to take immediate action to deal with the problem.  The government is expected to marshal its resources, channel the efforts of voluntary agencies and private enterprise in the community and solicit assistance from outside the jurisdiction if necessary.   Crucial to the fulfillment of these expectations and the ultimate protection of the citizens and property of our community are the development of emergency operations plans [EOP], which describe who will do what, as well as when, with what resources and by what authority -- before, during and immediately after an emergency.

    In our country's system of emergency management, local government must act first to attend to the public's emergency needs.  Depending on the nature and size of the emergency, State and Federal assistance may be provided to the local jurisdiction.  The Monongalia County Emergency Operations Plan focuses on the measures that are essential for protecting the public.  These include warning, emergency public information, evacuation and shelter. 

    The centerpiece of comprehensive emergency management is the Emergency Operations Plan [EOP].  Please note that this does not mean that the EOP details all aspects of emergency response in Monongalia County.  Information and "how-to" instructions that need be known only by an individual or group are left to each individual agency's operating procedures. 

An EOP is a document that:

1. Assigns responsibility to organizations and individuals for carrying out specific actions at projected times and places in an emergency tat exceeds the capability or routine responsibility of any one agency [i.e. the  fire department];

2. Sets forth lines of authority and organizational relationships, and shows how all actions will be coordinated;

3. Describes how people and property will be protected in emergencies and disasters;

4. Identifies personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies and other resources available -- within the jurisdiction or by agreement with other jurisdictions -- for use during response and recovery activities.

    These plans are reviewed and updated annually and following any exercise or disaster situation. 

    For security purposes emergency plans are not posted for public viewing.  If you should have a question regarding the planning efforts of the Monongalia County Office of Emergency Management or Local Emergency Planning Committee, please call 304-598-0301.