Highland County Emergency Management Agency
Prepare. Respond. Recover. Mitigate.
Welcome to the Highland County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) website! Our mission is to protect and prepare the community for emergencies through proactive planning, response coordination, disaster recovery, and hazard mitigation.
Here, you'll find essential resources on how to stay safe during severe weather, natural disasters, and other emergencies. From signing up for real-time alerts to learning about training opportunities and community preparedness, our goal is to keep Highland County informed, prepared, and resilient.
Explore the site to discover how we work together to safeguard our community and how you can get involved in making Highland County a safer place for everyone.
Sign Up For Local Alerts!
Sign up for Hyper-Reach, an emergency notification system that sends real-time updates via phone, text, or email, ensuring prompt communication during severe weather events and other emergencies.
Highland County EMA Facebook Feed
Emergency Management Overview
Mitigation
Mitigation involves taking proactive steps to reduce the risks and impact of future disasters. This includes implementing policies and projects that reduce exposure to hazards, such as building flood barriers, reinforcing infrastructure, and updating building codes. Communities also engage in public education campaigns to raise awareness about potential risks. By investing in mitigation strategies, communities can lessen the damage caused by disasters, minimize economic loss, and save lives in the long run.
Preparedness
Preparedness involves planning, training, and education to ensure individuals, businesses, and agencies are ready for potential emergencies. This step includes creating emergency plans, conducting drills, and developing resource lists to strengthen response capabilities. Preparedness ensures that communities are aware of risks and have the knowledge, supplies, and communication systems in place to protect lives and property during a disaster. Personal preparedness, such as assembling emergency kits and creating family communication plans, is equally vital to community-wide readiness.
Response
Response occurs when an emergency or disaster happens, focusing on immediate actions to save lives, protect property, and stabilize the situation. This step involves deploying first responders, activating emergency operations centers, providing medical assistance, and coordinating resources and communication. During response efforts, agencies work together to manage the incident, ensure public safety, and begin the process of restoring essential services. Timely, well-coordinated responses are critical to minimizing the impact of an emergency.
Recovery
Recovery begins after the immediate danger has passed and focuses on returning the community to normal or improved conditions. This phase includes repairing infrastructure, restoring services, assisting displaced residents, and providing financial and emotional support to those affected. Recovery can be a lengthy process, depending on the severity of the disaster, but it is essential for rebuilding lives and businesses. Long-term recovery plans often incorporate measures to strengthen future resilience and reduce vulnerabilities.
Get in Touch
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about emergency preparedness, disaster response, or the services provided by the Highland County Emergency Management Agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Use the form below to contact us, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Whether you’re looking for more information, need assistance, or want to get involved in our programs, we’re ready to assist you. Stay safe, and thank you for connecting with Highland County EMA!