Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 were two of the most devastating natural disasters to impact Essex County, with surges of water from Newark Bay destroying many areas of the county and leaving tens of thousands without power. The damage to the Essex County Correctional Facility from Hurricane Sandy alone is estimated to be $18.2 million.
Emergency management professionals who can prepare for, and respond to, disasters such as these are critical to the safety and well-being of the residents of Essex County.
Emergency Management Degree and Certification Requirements for Essex County
Individuals seeking emergency management careers in Essex County can be best prepared by achieving a degree in emergency management, public administration, business, or a related field. Although education and degree requirements often vary, particularly among county jobs, private entities, and nonprofit organizations, virtually all employers seek emergency management professionals with a bachelor’s degree.
Professional certification is also commonplace for emergency management professionals, and many employers seek candidates who possess certification in one or more of the following:
- The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Associate Emergency Manager (AEM)
- FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS) Certificate
- FEMA Advanced Professional Series (APS) certificate
Training Courses and Workshops for Emergency Management Professionals
Emergency management training classes, which are available either through state or county sources, include:
- Exercise Design
- Train the Trainer
- Management and Operations
- Basic Workshop in Emergency Management
- Basic Public Information Officer
- Incident Command System (ICS)/Emergency Operations Center (EOS)
- Management and Operations
- Warning Coordination
- Hazardous Weather and Flooding Preparedness
Essex County Emergency Services: Mission and Programs
The Essex County Emergency Service’s mission is to protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of the county during natural and manmade disasters. Essex County Emergency Services programs are designed to achieve this mission through its organized and comprehensive programs, which include:
- 911 System Coordination, Public Safety Answering, and Radio Dispatch
- Development and Maintenance of Emergency Mutual Aid Agreements
- Development and Maintenance of Emergency Planning Documents
- Emergency Scene Coordination
- Emergency Services Training Programs
- Hazardous Materials
- Operation and Maintenance of a County-Wide Public Safety Radio System
- Operation of the County Emergency Operations Center