When Disaster strikes and local capabilities are exceeded, WCEM coordinates with county departments and other supporting organizations. The County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) operates and supports Incident Response activities by:
- Identifying and disseminating incident-related information
- Coordinating resources and supplies for disaster response
- Providing Incident Command Support
- Facilitate disaster recovery process with county departments, local municipalities, state, federal, and non-governmental partners.
- Requests for assistance are made from the local municipality to the county, and then to the state and/or federal government as may be necessary.
Some of our day-to-day responsibilities include:
- Lead county-wide hazard mitigation planning committee;
- Develop preparedness and response plans and procedures for County Government;
- Assist local planning initiatives through plan review and guidance;
- Establish and foster communications with all preparedness partners;
- Facilitate Training & Exercise Activities;
- Manage the Westchester County Emergency Operations Center;
- Support volunteer agencies such as the Community Organizations in Disasters (COAD), Westchester Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT).
Recent accomplishments include:
- Managed response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Tropical Storm Isaias, and the remnants of Hurricane Ida;
- Expanded stockpile of Personal Protective Equipment for emergency responders;
- Implemented all-hazards training and exercise activities including a disaster recovery workshop for municipal officials, active shooter and fire mutual aid functional exercises, and a full-scale exercise at Westchester County Airport.