ABOUT CALHOUN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (EMA)

The Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is tasked with protecting the citizens of Calhoun County from natural and man-made disasters. Our team is made up of highly-trained and experienced professionals who are committed to providing the highest level of emergency preparedness and response services. 

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OUR PURPOSE:
At Calhoun County EMA, we take a proactive approach to emergency management. Our primary purpose is to identify potential hazards, develop comprehensive plans, and execute efficient responses in times of crisis. We collaborate closely with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community partners, to ensure a unified and effective approach to disaster preparedness and recovery.

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OUR TEAM:
Myles Chamblee, Director
 

David Randle, Deputy Director
 

Baylee Pope, Emergency Management Officer
 

Rachel Letkiewicz, Emergency Management Officer

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What does the EMA do?

We provide information and resources to protect lives and property during a disaster. When first responders need extra help in an emergency, they call the EMA, similar to how citizens call 9-1-1 when they have an emergency. We do outreach and training by working with the media and using social media to help the public prepare for emergencies. During an emergency, we notify the public by using outdoor warning sirens, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and by working with news media and social media. When a disaster happens, the Calhoun County EMA is ready to respond. Our agency hosts the county's Emergency Operation Center (EOC). The EOC is the central coordination hub during major incidents.

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We develop emergency plans to help the whole community prepare for and respond to disasters. We recruit volunteers and provide training to help local groups like churches and disaster relief organizations work together with first responders. We work with FEMA and Homeland Security to make sure local responders have access to the best training available. We put together emergency drills and exercises so that local agencies can test their emergency plans.

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In an emergency, we are the link between the county, the state, and FEMA. We work with partners like the National Weather Service to keep the community informed about hazards, how to prepare for them, and what actions to take during an emergency. We help local organizations access resources from outside the county through mutual aid agreements and the Alabama EMA. After a disaster, we work with FEMA to survey damage and help affected local residents access disaster assistance.

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OUR VISION:
We envision a resilient Calhoun County where the impacts of emergencies are minimized through preparedness, collaboration, and community engagement. By fostering a culture of preparedness and responsiveness, we aim to create a safer environment for all residents. We strive to be the premier county emergency management agency in Alabama.​​​​​