Emergency Management
Emergency Management
The City of Overland Park’s emergency management division implements programs in order to prepare citizens for potential disaster and minimize the risks should an emergency occur.
Emergency management also prepares the public for severe weather by testing the outdoor warning system and utilizing the Notify JoCo program.
Four Phases of Emergency Response
The emergency management division executes the four phases of emergency management:
- Mitigation involves educating the public about potential hazards and their consequences, and helping resident apply the knowledge to prevent damages.
- Preparation involves updating the emergency operation plan and conducting drills and exercises with city staff and the public.
- Response: In many disasters, the emergency management division coordinates the efforts of first responders, city staff, volunteers and others involved.
- Recovery: Emergency management restores the community to pre-emergency conditions or better by providing assistance and vital services, and coordinating relief efforts and donations for disaster victims.
Emergency Operations Center
During disasters, City leaders may activate the emergency operations center.
The emergency operations center gives first responders and leadership a place to coordinate actions that preserve life and property in an emergency.
In this facility, representatives from many City departments and outside agencies will work collaboratively to ensure that information gathering and dissemination, decision making, and resource allocations are carried out in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Severe weather can create hazardous conditions such as damaging winds, hail, lightning, flooding and tornados.
Be safe this severe weather season by staying informed and preparing for the most common types of severe weather in our area.
Emergency Management Resources
CERT Training
This seven-week-long class prepares you to help your neighbors in case of an emergency.
Prepare Metro KC
Understand how you can better prepare yourself for an emergency in the Kansas City area.
Notify JoCo
Keep informed of significant events that may affect you.
JoCo72
You’re already more prepared than you may think for the first 72 hours after an emergency. Get connected, gather supplies, and make a plan with JoCo72.