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.