Severe storms are high on the priority list in terms of emergency management concerns for Hamilton County, as is evidenced by the many storms that have required emergency assistance funds in recent years, including: July 2001, August 2004, August 2005 (hurricane), September 2008, April 2011, and June 2012. The severe storms in 2008 alone resulted in more than $9 million in federal funding.
The Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) coordinates and administers all countywide emergency management and disaster preparedness programs, functions, and activities. The Hamilton EMA deals with both natural and manmade disasters, including acts of terrorism and homeland security functions.
Emergency Management Job Descriptions and Degree Requirements in
Hamilton County
A number of emergency management professionals are required to ensure that all emergency management functions are expertly executed for the well-being of the citizens of Hamilton County:
Emergency Management Specialists
The job duties of the emergency management specialist are quite broad, as these emergency management professionals are called upon to review, update, and coordinate emergency and disaster plans; work with internal and external partners to develop emergency operations plans; and conduct research and prepare reports based on the collected data. Emergency management specialists also often work alongside local, county, state, and federal partners to ensure the coordination of all emergency services. This may include exercises to test emergency plans.
Due to the many demands of the emergency management specialist, this professional likely possesses a bachelor’s degree or higher in criminal justice, business or public administration, emergency management, or a related area. Further, knowledge of all functions of emergency management is a must.
Emergency Management Directors
Emergency management directors are tasked with coordinating and planning the organization, control and implementation of all local emergency management activities. Constant coordination with community and government officials is a must for this position as to ensure the effective administration of the emergency management program. These professionals must also manage and maintain the emergency operations centers and establish and maintain policies for all jurisdictional employees and volunteers.
Emergency management directors typically possess an advanced degree from an accredited college or university in emergency management, public administration, urban and regional planning, or a related program.
Hamilton County, Ohio Training and Certification
Professional certification in the field of emergency management is commonplace, with certification commonly sought through either FEMA or IAEM:
- 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
Further, training programs through the Ohio EMA Training and Service’s Ohio Emergency Management and Homeland Security Training and Exercise programs is offered to emergency management professionals throughout the state, including Hamilton County. Courses available often include:
- Emergency Management Operations Course for Local Governments
- Flood Fight Operations
- Hazardous Weather and Flood Preparedness
- Resource Management
- Warning Coordination