Although Pinal County does not present many natural disaster threats, there have been many severe weather occurrences that have impacted county residents and commercial establishments. Since 1957, Pinal County has experience 11 major floods which caused the deaths of four residents and more than $23.9 million in damages. The county has also experienced 97 severe wind storms which killed nine residents and injured 88; these storms caused more than $13 million in damages. The most destructive tornado event occurred in 1971, which injured 41 residents and caused more than $2.5 million in damage.
How to Become an Emergency Management Professional in Pinal County, Arizona
Many of the local governments within Pinal County offer jobs for well qualified emergency management professionals who meet criteria that may include:
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, criminal justice, telecommunications or information technology
- At least two years of professional experience in administration of technology systems for police, fire or emergency services
- Knowledge of public safety technology, equipment and systems
- Familiarity with police and fire protocols and procedures
- Knowledge of local, state and federal statutes regarding public safety and emergency services
- Knowledge of computerized information systems
- Knowledge of records management
- Competencies in planning, implementing and evaluating communications operations
- Ability to multi-task
- Skills in technical assistance for 911 and other public safety communication systems
- Certification in NCIC or ACJIS may be required
Training for many EM professionals may be obtained through employers or government agencies. The Arizona Division of Emergency Management, in cooperation with the federal Emergency Management Institute, offers a wide array of emergency management classes in Pinal County, Arizona. These courses include:
- Public disaster communications
- Disaster logistics
- Operational planning
- Incident management
- Emergency communications
- Hazard mitigation
- Continuity programs
- Service to disaster victims
In addition to public organizations, there are several important industry organizations which certify EM professionals including:
- International Association of Emergency Managers
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Associate Emergency Manager (AEM)
- International Board of Safety Managers
- Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional
- Certified Health Safety Professional
Pinal County Office of Emergency Management
Pinal County Office of Emergency Management (PCOEM) coordinates public resources to prepare for and respond to environmental or manmade disasters. In 2005, the county and municipal governments created a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan, which earned Federal Emergency Management Agency approval. This plan includes the following components
- Identification of potential hazards to the community
- Analysis of historical emergencies
- Assessment of community vulnerabilities
- Recommendations to mitigate risks
- Implementation strategies
If a disaster does occur, PCOEM initiates the Comprehensive Emergency Management (CEM) System. This system includes mitigation strategies to lessen the impact of disasters, coordination of response efforts from public agencies, and recovery programs intended to assist residents and communities rebuild. The CEM system also includes a preparedness section that provides training, equipment and public information.