In Michigan, a variety of agencies are responsible for different aspects of homeland security. Emergency response disciplines at the local level include emergency management, law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public health, public works, government administration, public safety communications, health care, private security, and cyber security providers.

Individual emergency response disciplines have their own diverse and unique needs and associated priorities as they pursue planning, training, equipping, and exercising initiatives. Accordingly, emergency response agencies must be included in the process of identifying priorities and developing and implementing initiatives under the Homeland Security Grant Program.

This effort requires an organized method of information exchange between local response agencies to facilitate homeland security strategic goals and objectives, problem-solving, and strategy implementation programs. Effective local planning, as well as increased communication and collaboration between agencies, are essential components of an effective homeland security program. Given the fiscal constraints being experienced by local jurisdictions throughout the State it is critical to implement cost-effective and coordinated strategies to meet the growing needs of first responder agencies while avoiding unnecessary redundancies and minimizing duplication of effort.

Many benefits exist for jurisdictions that utilize an Emergency Management Advisory Council. First, the team provides a forum for an open exchange of views regarding potential local initiatives that have implications for the sub-grantee jurisdiction and its first responder agencies. Second, the team serves as an essential coordinating body for assessing homeland security needs and in developing strategies to overcome shortfalls in readiness.

The Emergency Management Advisory Council consists of representatives from each of the emergency response disciplines (i.e., emergency management, fire services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public health, health care, public works, government administration, public safety communications, and cyber security. The Emergency Management Advisory Council identifies capability shortfalls in the five solution areas of planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises. The specific goals associated with this initiative are to:

1. Promote enhanced coordination between emergency response agencies;
2. Promote standardization and interoperability throughout the jurisdiction;
3. Foster innovative approaches to meeting homeland security needs; and
4. Direct the effective use of the jurisdiction’s homeland security funding.

Core Functions

Core functions support working towards having a “balanced” and appropriate set of homeland security projects for the jurisdiction. The Emergency Management Advisory Council should assess six dimensions for each homeland security project. These six dimensions include:

1. Existence. Are resources and services available to the jurisdiction’s first responder agencies? If not, how does the project support the availability? For example, do all first responders have availability to personal protective equipment?
2. Adequacy. Are current resources adequate and in sufficient supply to meet first responder needs? If not, what needs to be obtained (equipment, planning, training, drills)?
3. Accessibility. How obtainable are resources and services to those first response agencies most in need? Can it be accomplished with the funding and eligible activities identified under the grant?
4. Efficiency/Duplication. How reasonable are resource costs and are there possible ways to streamline services to avoid duplication?
5. Equity. How available are resources and services to those in need “without bias”?
6. Effectiveness/Quality. How successful are the resources and services in addressing first responder needs?

These core functions assist in setting priorities within the homeland security planning process.

For more information or details on local programs, contact Emergency Management Coordinator Sarah Clark at sclark@allegancounty.org or (269) 673-0571.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer