Disaster (di-'zas-ter): An occurrence or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made accidental, military or paramilitary cause.

First started in 1975, The Iredell County Office of Emergency Management (also known as “OEM” or “EM”) operates under authority established by local ordinances, state statutes, and various federal laws.* Iredell County OEM’s primary purpose is to promote community preparedness and disaster management by creating and delivering various projects and programs. Special emphasis is placed upon disaster preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.

OEM’s role is to promote emergency preparedness and planning as a way to reduce the impact of a disaster if one occurs. It is important that we have good working relationships with local, regional, state, and federal response agencies in order to provide necessary response and recovery efforts. In a true disaster situation, local resources would be overwhelmed, and we would have to rely upon assistance from agencies outside Iredell County.

During normal business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), our office is staffed by an Emergency Management Coordinator, a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, and a Program Assistant. On-call personnel are available during nights, weekends, and holidays. Assistant Emergency Management Coordinators from other Emergency Services divisions such as Animal Control, ECOM, EMS, and the Fire Marshal’s Office have also been appointed to supplement our disaster response and recovery capability.

• Serving as a warning point for citizens and visitors of Iredell County.
• Reporting hazardous chemical incidents that may occur during transportation or at fixed facilities.
• Maintaining a database of hazardous chemicals manufactured, utilized, or stored in Iredell County.
• Identifying response capabilities and coordinating response activities among public and private organizations.
• Coordinating training opportunities for local responders.
• Staffing the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during disaster situations.
• Providing a radiological response program in support of the McGuire Nuclear Station.
• Serving as a clearinghouse for grants that address specific emergency management issues such as Homeland Security, hazardous materials response, hazard identification & planning, etc.
• Maintaining a current and comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that describes agency roles and responsibilities.
• Providing public information and education regarding disaster preparedness and response.

Our staff is available to speak to local groups about the services we provide and how best to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Contact us at 704-878-5353 for additional information or to arrange a speaker.

• Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (“The Stafford Act”)
• Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
• North Carolina Emergency Management Act, NC General Statute 166A
• Iredell County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article III