The Field Services Bureau is responsible for working with local jurisdictions throughout the state on emergency management activities.
Area Coordinators are the state’s liaisons to the local jurisdictions for emergency management activities and incidents. The Area Coordinators work in nine MEMA districts and provide assistance to all 82 counties, incorporated cities and towns statewide and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The Area Coordinators can deploy and be fully operational anywhere in the state in less than two hours. Their responsibilities include:
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all emergency response organizations in local jurisdictions throughout the state.
- Coordinate the deployment of state resources during a disaster.
- Ensure that all local emergency management personnel understand and complete the necessary requirements for the EMPG program.
- Work with local governments to conduct initial and preliminary damage assessments.
- Help jurisdictions and other state agencies conduct emergency training exercises.
- Organize and attend district emergency management meetings throughout the state to assure strong working relationships.
The Area Coordinators have numerous years of combined experience and expertise in all areas of emergency management such as law enforcement, medical services, local government, and fire services.
During disasters, the Area Coordinators will assist the local officials with identifying urgent needs, understanding available resources, and coordinating state resources that assist local responders. As an additional duty, the Area Coordinators and the Field Services Bureau Director are members of Mississippi’s State Emergency Response Team.
For more information about Field Services, please contact Harrell Neal, Field Service Bureau Director, at 601-933-6371 or hneal@mema.ms.gov.