Always Dial 911 to report an emergency
Response activities are any actions taken immediately before, during or directly after an emergency to save lives, minimize damage to property and increase the effectiveness of recovery efforts. Examples of response include, but are not limited to:
- Emergency Management
- Emergency Medical Services
- Law Enforcement Services
- Fire and Rescue Services
- Public Works
- Protective Actions
Disaster Response Priorities:
- Protect and save life
- Protect and save public and private property
- Protect and save the environment
Rice County is vulnerable to a variety of hazards that threaten our communities, businesses and the environment. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) establishes a framework for ensuring the county will be adequately prepared to deal with all hazards. The EOP outlines the roles and responsibilities for all agencies, departments and organizations with an emergency support function. The on-scene incident commander or the dispatch center contacts the Emergency Manager or Deputy Emergency Manager to initiate the Disaster Response Plan.
Major emergencies and disaster incidents are unique events that present the community and emergency personnel with extraordinary problems and challenges. Disasters often overwhelm resources and the problems caused by the disaster often cannot be adequately addressed within the routine operations of government. When Rice County or one of its jurisdictions or organizations become overwhelmed during an incident or crisis, the EOP will be used to manage the incident. Since disasters differ in many ways and it is impossible to plan for every contingency, highly detailed operational procedures are avoided in the emergency operations plan in favor of a streamlined all hazards preparedness approach.
The plan is intended to provide a basis for the coordinated management of all disaster incidents so that the impact to people, property, public services and the economy are minimized and normal community conditions can be restored as rapidly as possible. All agencies and departments are responsible for developing and maintaining current internal plans and procedures for carrying out their assigned emergency functions described in the EOP. The coordination of these plans and procedures with the EOP is an ongoing process through regular training and exercises.