A few of the reasons why Grand Forks County and the City of Grand Forks rely on the Grand Forks Count Emergency Management Department to provide an integrated emergency system for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from both manmade and natural disasters:
- Historical flooding in 1997, which resulted in infrastructure and property damages that exceeded $557 million
- An F4 tornado in 2007 that killed one, injured 18, and caused $50 million in damages
- A number of other flooding incidents in 2009, 2010, and 2011
Emergency Management Job Descriptions and Degree Information
A number of careers in emergency management exist as the local, state, and federal level in North Dakota, including:
Emergency Managers
Emergency managers design the integrated system for emergency management and coordinate local, state, and federal response and assistance. These professionals ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and ensure readiness staffing and operational capabilities of the emergency operation center.
Emergency managers typically possess a bachelor’s degree in emergency management or public administration, as well as experience in public planning, administration, or response recovery operations.
Emergency Management Planners
Emergency management planners manage the planning and revision process for emergency operations plans, recovery plans, mitigation plans, and other required plans. They often coordinate with the public, with elected officials, and with private entities to develop emergency management plans and to present multi-hazard emergency preparedness training and education.
A bachelor’s degree in emergency management is usually the minimum degree requirement for emergency management planners. Experience in emergency management operations is also often required for careers as emergency management planners.
Emergency Management Specialists
Emergency management specialists are tasked with collaborating with local, state, and federal officials to prepare and analyze damage assessments following natural and manmade disasters. They conduct assessments to determine emergency-related needs and provide technical assistance to others conducting similar surveys. These emergency management professionals often consult officials of local governments and determine their needs in the event of natural disasters and other emergencies.
Training for Emergency Management Professionals
Emergency management training is an important part of careers in emergency management. As such, the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services provides a number of formal training programs and events throughout the year, including:
- Evacuation and Re-Entry Planning
- Hazardous Weather – Floods
- Basic Public Information Officer
- Emergency Operations Center, Operations Planning for All-Hazards Events
- Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning
- Hazardous Weather – Tornadoes