EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Preparing for and responding to emergencies or disasters involves many disciplines and functions. 

In Onondaga County, the Department of Emergency Management is designated to coordinate all emergency management activities: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. 

In 2003, the County Legislature recognized the importance of emergency management by combining the Division of Emergency Management, the Fire Coordinator’s Office, and the EMS Bureau under one Department.  Local Law 6-2003 created a Department of Emergency Management incorporating an Emergency Management Fire Bureau and EMS Bureau. The law designated the Commissioner as the principle advisor to the County Executive during emergencies.

To achieve robust preparedness and response capability, the Department of Emergency Management works collaboratively with many agencies and organizations.

This multi-agency collaboration enables the County to better protect life and property during disasters and emergencies.

Disciplines and organizations that routinely participate in emergency management preparedness, response and recovery planning include:

Emergency Management

Organization Chart

• emergency response agencies (EMS, fire, law enforcement)
• human service agencies
• public health and hospitals
• utilities and communications
• public works and transportation groups
• the military
• large corporations
• local jurisdictions: City of Syracuse, 19 Towns, and 15 Villages