Office of Emergency Management

Overview

Officials & Staff

Documents

The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community in times of crisis. We work tirelessly to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and man-made disasters that may threaten our county.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment by coordinating efforts among various agencies and organizations to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. We strive to build a resilient community that is prepared to face any challenge.

Our Services:

  • Emergency Planning: We develop comprehensive emergency plans to address a wide range of potential hazards, including floods, severe storms, wildfires, hazardous materials incidents, and public health emergencies.
  • Community Preparedness: We educate and empower citizens to prepare for emergencies through public awareness campaigns, training programs, and community outreach initiatives.
  • Emergency Response: In the event of a disaster, we coordinate the response efforts of various agencies, including law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services, and volunteer organizations. We work to ensure that resources are deployed effectively and that those affected receive the assistance they need.
  • Disaster Recovery: We assist individuals and communities in recovering from disasters by coordinating resources, providing information about assistance programs, and facilitating long-term recovery efforts.
  • Hazard Mitigation: We work to identify and reduce potential hazards in our community through proactive measures such as flood plain management, building codes, and public education.

Working Together for a Safer Community

The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management is committed to working collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community organizations and volunteers, to build a safer and more resilient Mercer County. We encourage all citizens to take an active role in emergency preparedness by developing a family emergency plan, assembling a disaster supply kit, and staying informed about potential hazards in our area.

Physical Address:
1500 West Main Street Princeton, WV 24740-2785

304-487-8448
Fax Number:
304-487-8357
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/mercercountywvoem
A mobile water supply truck stopped at a parking lot to distribute water to the community.
Infographic detailing wildfire prevention tips, including properly extinguishing fires, maintaining vehicles, and being aware of burn bans.
Infographic detailing smoke alarm usage.
Infographic using the acronym "SAFE" to outline school bus safety rules, including staying away from the curb, waiting for the bus to stop, facing forward, and looking both ways before crossing the street.

Keith Gunnoe

Director

304-487-8448
[email protected]

The Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has a critical responsibility: to ensure the safety and well-being of the community in the face of emergencies and disasters. This role requires a unique blend of leadership, planning, and coordination skills. Here’s a breakdown of the Director’s key duties:

1. Planning and Preparedness

  • Risk Assessment: The Director analyzes potential hazards and vulnerabilities in the community to determine the likelihood and potential impact of various disasters (natural and man-made).
  • Emergency Plans: They develop, implement, and regularly update comprehensive emergency plans that outline procedures for response, evacuation, sheltering, and recovery.
  • Training and Exercises: The Director organizes and conducts training programs and exercises for emergency responders and community members to ensure preparedness.
  • Resource Management: They maintain an inventory of emergency resources (equipment, supplies, personnel) and develop plans for acquiring and distributing them during a crisis.

2. Emergency Response

  • Activation of Emergency Plans: The Director activates emergency plans and coordinates response efforts when a disaster occurs.
  • Incident Command: They may serve as the Incident Commander, overseeing all aspects of the emergency response, or delegate authority as needed.
  • Communication and Coordination: The Director establishes and maintains communication with emergency responders, government officials, and the public during an emergency.
  • Resource Allocation: They ensure that resources are deployed effectively to meet the needs of the affected population.

3. Recovery and Mitigation

  • Damage Assessment: The Director coordinates damage assessments to determine the extent of the impact and identify needs.
  • Recovery Coordination: They work with local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate recovery efforts, including debris removal, infrastructure repair, and assistance to individuals and businesses.
  • Hazard Mitigation: The Director identifies and implements measures to reduce the community’s vulnerability to future disasters, such as flood control projects, building codes, and public education campaigns.

4. Administration and Leadership

  • Budget Management: The Director manages the OEM’s budget, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively for preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
  • Personnel Management: They supervise OEM staff, providing training, guidance, and support.
  • Public Outreach: The Director builds relationships with community organizations, businesses, and the public to promote emergency preparedness and foster collaboration.
  • Grant Management: They may be responsible for securing and managing grants to support emergency management activities.

This tab provides access to relevant documents, forms, and reports when available. Please note that this section may be blank if no documents are currently applicable.