EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
During emergencies, the Emergency Management Division coordinates the response efforts of federal, State and local agencies. The Division also oversees the creation of the County’s emergency response plans and disaster prevention and preparation efforts. Moreover, federal and State disaster relief funds are distributed by the Division, which implements mitigation and recovery efforts following disasters (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 14-109 through 14-113).![[photo, Former site of Emergency Management Division: Frederick County Emergency Services Building, 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/fr/images/1198-1-1471b.jpg)
Formerly located in the Emergency Services Building at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick, the Division moved to 5370 Public Safety Place on October 2, 2013.
The Division's Director is appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the County Executive (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 14-109).
Former site of Emergency Management Division: Frederick County Emergency Services Building, 340 Montevue Lane, Frederick, Maryland, August 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
The Emergency Management Division oversees Emergency Communications, and Emergency Preparedness, and is aided by the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
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LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
Created under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act of 1986, the Local Emergency Planning Committee develops, maintains, and annually reviews the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan for the County. The Plan is a comprehensive list of chemicals and materials used in the County that could pose environmental or personal health risks. To analyze available County resources and response readiness, the Committee conducts a Hazard Analysis Survey. Records regarding the Response Plan and the Survey are maintained by the Committee, which provides public access to records as requested (42 U.S.C., sec. 11001(c); Committee Constitution & By-Laws, Article 1, secs. 2-4). In addition, the Committee advises and makes recommendations to the County Executive and County Council and the Emergency Management Division on matters related to emergency preparation.
Members of the Committee are appointed by the State Emergency Response Commission on recommendation of the County Executive. Officers are elected by the Committee to two-year terms (Committee Constitution & By-Laws, Article 2, sec. 1).
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Three bureaus constitute the Division: Emergency Services; Professional Services; and Technical Services. The Division also is aided by the Fire and Rescue Advisory Board.
Fourteen members constitute the Board. Nine of these are appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent to three-year terms. Five serve as ex officio, nonvoting members (County Code, Article IV, sec. 1-2-63). Annually, the Board chooses the Chair.
BUREAU OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
BUREAU OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Through the Public Safety Training Facility at Frederick, the Bureau offers fire and medical response training for government, commercial and volunteer response units. Units receiving training need not operate in the County.
BUREAU OF TECHNICAL SERVICES
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Emergency Communications coordinates emergency and nonemergency communications between State, County and local responders. It operates the County's Communication Center, receives 911 calls in the County, and dispatches and coordinates first responders during emergencies.
Emergency Preparedness analyzes local threats and available resources to develop plans and projects in preparation for emergencies, and to minimize the impact of future disasters. Conducting outreach with federal, State and local government agencies, including neighboring counties, Emergency Preparedness coordinates efforts to expand preparation and response options. These options are developed with additional assistance from local commercial and community organizations.
FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES DIVISION
The Fire and Rescue Services Division is responsible for maintaining County fire, medical and response units. It oversees volunteer and commercial responders to ensure compliance with State and County fire ordinances (County Code, secs. 2-8-1 through 2-8-7).
FIRE & RESCUE ADVISORY BOARD
Formed in 2013, the Fire and Rescue Advisory Board promotes the perpetuation of a unified combination volunteer and professional fire and rescue system for the County. The Board advises the County Council and the Director of the Fire and Rescue Services Division.
Over thirty fire and rescue stations are operated throughout the County by the Bureau of Emergency Services. The Bureau maintains fire and medical response units, and response teams trained specifically for hazardous material incidents, or quick water and dive rescue, to ensure fast and appropriate emergency response to all areas of the County.
For the Fire and Rescue Services Division, the Bureau of Professional Services provides information technology and training services. Digital and communication networks used by the Division are developed and maintained by the Bureau. With Emergency Communications under the Emergency Management Division , the Bureau coordinates its work to ensure information sharing and communication.
Performing administrative duties for the Fire and Rescue Division, the Bureau of Technical Services develops operating budgets, and provides procurement services for County and volunteer fire and rescue responders. Staff and equipment standards are enforced through the Bureau which conducts investigations and audits of all fire, medical and rescue responders operating in the County. In addition, the Bureau oversees the Office of Fire Marshal, which conducts fire preventative inspections of public and commercial locations, and investigates fires and allegations of violation of State and County fire codes.
VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES DIVISION
The Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services Division was authorized by the Board of County Commissioners in August 2014.
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