As directed by the County Executive, the Summit County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is responsible for coordinating and administering the countywide all-hazards emergency management program in accordance with Chapter 5502 of the Ohio Revised Code. This mandate ensures effective management and coordination of emergency response efforts across Summit County.
Emergency management encompasses the essential managerial function of establishing a framework that enables communities to reduce their vulnerability to hazards and effectively cope with disasters. Adopting a whole community approach, emergency management engages government entities at all levels, as well as communities and individuals, in their response to disasters.
Summit County Emergency Management Agency (SCEMA) plays a vital role in facilitating the integration of activities necessary to enhance, sustain, and strengthen the capability to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from potential or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters. This is accomplished through the implementation of the Summit County Emergency Operations Plan, a collaborative agreement between Summit County EMA and its 31 political subdivisions. In this partnership, EMA supports the political subdivisions in their disaster preparedness efforts, while the subdivisions commit to developing, maintaining, and coordinating internal plans and procedures in alignment with the Summit County Emergency Operations Plan.
Beyond our focus on preparedness and response, Summit County EMA is dedicated to informing and educating the public. We strive to provide valuable information to the community, and your feedback on the specific information you would like to see on this site would greatly assist us in serving you better.
- Summit County EMA Facebook (Link)
During the weekdays, from Monday to Friday, our staff is available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, if you need to reach a staff member from the Emergency Management Agency outside of these normal business hours, please get in touch with the Summit Emergency Communications Center at 330-643-2181. They will be able to assist you and can page the EMA on your behalf.
- Jul 16, 2024 Amateur radio operators and EMA collaborate to enhance safety (Summit County, OH)
- Nov 30, 2022 Summit County EMA secures over $600,000 in Homeland Security grants for regional partners (Summit County, OH)
- Oct 26, 2022 Summit County certified StormReady by National Weather Service (Summit County, OH)
- Sep 7, 2022 County Executive and Council recognize Preparedness and Recovery Month (Summit County, OH)
- Dec 20, 2021 County Executive and EMA Remind Residents to Register for Reverse Alerts, Download App (Summit County, OH)
- Sep 2, 2021 County Executive and Council recognize Preparedness and Recovery Month (Summit County, OH)
- Jul 2, 2021 County EMA Director Named President of Local Toastmasters Club (Summit County, OH)
- May 17, 2021 Summit County Public Health Issues Updated COVID-19 Guidance (Summit County, OH)
Summit County EMA offers a range of services to both citizens and local governments, fostering close collaboration with various public and private community partners, including businesses and schools. These partnerships enable us to enhance our collective ability to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure the well-being of the community.
- Community Emergency Response Team Training (Page)
- Emergency Operations Center (Page)
- Reverse Alert (Page)
- Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (Page)
Summit County EMA takes proactive measures in developing comprehensive emergency management plans and facilitating a robust planning process. The planning efforts involve close coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, private organizations, community groups, and individual citizens. Through collaborative engagement, Summit County EMA ensures that all entities are actively involved in the planning process, contributing their expertise and perspectives to create effective strategies. These plans encompass a wide range of contingencies and hazards, addressing preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. By fostering coordination and collaboration, Summit County EMA aims to enhance the county's overall resilience and capability to effectively manage emergencies and protect the well-being of its residents.
- Emergency Operations Plan (Page)
- Mitigation Plan (Page)
- School Plans (Page)
- Damage Assessment (Page)
- Summit Ready (Page)
As the conduit for federal and state resources, Summit County EMA plays a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration and integration among various levels of government and response agencies. Through effective coordination, Summit County EMA ensures that federal and state resources are seamlessly integrated into local emergency management efforts. This includes accessing funding, personnel, equipment, and expertise from federal and state agencies to support emergency response and recovery operations.
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute (Link)
- FEMA Preparedness Guide (Link) Learn how to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters.
- Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Link)
- Summit County Public Health (Link)
- Summit County Red Cross (Link)
- Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program (Link)
- The Summit Emergency Communications Center (Link)
- Local Emergency Planning Committee (Committee) EHS Notification and Emergency Planning, Emergency Spill/Release Notification, Chemical List and Annual reporting, and Toxic Chemical Release Reporting
- Special Operations Response Team Executive Board (Committee) This Board handles the Hazardous Materials Response Team, Technical Rescue Operations Team, Water Rescue Team, and Incident Management Assistance Team
- Summit County EMA Executive Committee (Committee) Oversees the Countywide aspects of emergency planning, response and coordination throughout Summit County