The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is, by Howard County Code, a function of the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. As such, the Fire Chief also serves as Emergency Management Director, a position for which he is also appointed by the Governor of Maryland.

A core mission of the Office of Emergency Management is to facilitate multi-agency planning that enhances domestic preparedness for all hazards. In addition to emergency planning, the office has key operational roles. During emergency situations staff personnel implement the Emergency Operations Plan in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all persons in Howard County. Often times this response utilizes the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or Emergency Services Command Unit (ESCU); both of which are operated by OEM.

• Plan and lead Howard County’s coordinated emergency response to all hazards.


• Coordinate and periodically update the Emergency Operations Plan and the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan.


• Manage and coordinate county-wide response to, and recovery from, disasters and threats resulting from natural and human caused origin.


• Operate, maintain, and enhance the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).


• Coordinate the County’s disaster response/recovery needs with regional, state, and federal government agencies.


• Serve as a coordination point for federal disaster relief programs and a receiving point for homeland security initiatives and funding.


• Facilitate county-wide compliance with federal requirements for implementation of the National Incident Management System and the National Response Plan.


• Engage citizens in preparedness and response efforts via the Community Emergency Response Network (CERN).


• Provide administrative and logistical support for the implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) program provisions.


• Develop, distribute, and provide instruction for businesses and industry disaster and chemical hazards planning.


• Plan, conduct, and evaluate exercises that test and improve disaster preparedness on a county-wide basis.