The Office of Response provides the core, coordinated state operational response capability needed to save and sustain lives, minimize suffering, and protect property in a timely and effective manner in communities that become overwhelmed by natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other emergencies.
The Response program activities encompass the coordination of all state emergency management response operations, response planning and integration of state, tribal and local disaster programs. This coordination ensures efficient and effective delivery of immediate emergency assistance to individuals and communities impacted and overwhelmed by these disasters, emergencies, or acts of terrorism.
Comprised of Operations, Mutual Aid, Field Services and the UAS Program. The Office of Response is responsible for generating state information, warning, and alerts, coordinating response efforts and staffing the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
OPERATIONS BUREAU
The Operations Bureau is responsible for coordinating support for state and local response in an all-hazards concept. These responsibilities include:
- Alert and notification of an event.
- Activate the State Emergency Operations Center.
- Coordinate all Emergency Support Functions.
- Establish priorities for the allocation of resources through WebEOC.
- Development and publication of the MEMA Daily Update Brief (DUB).
- Development and activation of Incident Situation Rooms (SIT Rooms).
- The use of WebEOC, a web-based incident management and tracking software system, extends the SEOC to all 82 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The system allows for the immediate tracking of resources, requests and personnel for any events that affect the state.
- The Operations Branch also develops and disseminates Weather Summaries (WXSUM) and Operational Summaries (OPSUM) during an event.
- MEMA is the designated State Warning Point, staffed by MEMA Operations Officers. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Operations Officers have the responsibility of alerting state and local officials to all natural or man-made incidents throughout the state. These alerts include, but are not limited to, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, or hazardous materials incidents.
- The Regroup Notification System allows for rapid notification of all federal, state, and local partners. Regroup is a multi-device notification system that has enhanced the ability to rapidly communicate essential information to the field.
WATCH DESK
The Watch Desk is manned by an Operations Officer 24/7 as a part of the State Warning Point. This station is responsible for compiling information from natural and man-made disasters and distributing for situational awareness. As well as monitoring local and national news, social media, weather, resource requests and tracking.
SEOC FLOOR
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is divided into 3 branches: Infrastructure, Emergency Services, and Human Services. Each has a branch director that coordinates with each Emergency Support Function (ESF).
MUTUAL AID / EMAC
During a disaster, MEMA uses Mission Assignments for tasking other State and local agencies/departments to provide essential assistance and support during a disaster when it is beyond local capabilities. Requests for resources are made through WEBEOC and routed to the designated agency for processing and to the EMAC/Mutual Aid Coordinator to be mission assigned and for MEMA Executive Leadership approval. Request for assistance between states is done through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
FIELD SERVICES
Field Services Bureau is located within the Office of Response and houses MEMA’s Area Coordinators and the UAS Program. Throughout the state, there are three Regional Supervisors and nine area coordinators that serve as the State’s liaison between County EMA’s and the State EOC. During times of disasters, these liaisons help coordinate the deployment of resources, assist in the initial damage assessment process, and lend a hand throughout the entire response phase of any natural or manmade disaster. The UAS Program provides real-time situational awareness, Search and Rescue missions, and assists with Damage Assessments in areas that are not accessible by foot.
For more information about Disaster Response, contact the Director for the Office of Response, Les Stapp at [email protected]