The Mason County Division of Emergency Management (DEM) became part of the Support Services Department effective January 1, 2014. DEM is responsible for the preparation, mitigation, response and recovery from any and all hazards that might impact Mason County. Under RCW 38.52 - "Each political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized and directed to establish a local organization or to be a member of a joint local organization for emergency management in accordance with the state comprehensive emergency management plan and program:"

Section 2.19.010 of the Mason County codes states that the purpose of DEM is to:

“…provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for multiple hazards and emergency support functions for the protection and benefit of persons and property within this county and to provide for the coordination of emergency response with all other federal, state, local, and public agencies, private persons, corporations, and organizations pursuant to RCW Chapter 38.52, Emergency Management. (Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999)” and is defined in section 2.19.020 as:

“Emergency management” or “emergency services” means the preparation for and carrying out of all emergency functions, other than functions for which the military forces are primarily responsible, to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters, and to aid victims suffering from injury or damage, resulting from disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural or technological (man-made), and to provide support for other emergency response such as search and rescue operations. However, “emergency management” or “emergency services” does not mean preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack. (Ord. 19-99 (part), 1999).

MISSION STATEMENT:

To endeavor to minimize the impacts of emergencies and disasters on the people, property, environment, and economy of Mason County and the region through preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

GOALS:

• Through regional and local partnerships - strengthen the County’s ability to readily, effectively, and efficiently mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all types of natural and man-made emergencies/disasters, including but not limited to earthquakes, windstorms, floods, wildland fires, acts of terrorism, and man-made/technological hazards.
• To develop and enhance regional partnerships that will enable the County to meet and/or exceed all statutory and regulatory requirements affecting emergency management operations.

OBJECTIVES

• Provide support to County agencies, stakeholders, regional partners, and residents during disaster/emergency related events (natural, man-made, or technological).
• Provide oversight and management of emergency communications and operations.
• Provide training to County/City/Tribal government, agencies, businesses, schools, and private citizens.
• Develop, maintain and implement emergency plans
• Significantly expand public education and outreach program
• Develop and implement grants/contract management process to improve accountability
• Develop and conduct local and regional exercises

Weather

• NOAA

River Levels

• National Weather Service