The Berkeley
County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is responsible for imitating and maintaining the emergency management plan that prepares for public recovery and relieves and reduces human suffering following events of natural or manmade disasters, catastrophes, or terrorist threats for Berkeley County. In addition, Emergency Services staffs a fire engine for mutual aid support to local Volunteer Fire Departments in the County, a HazMat Response Team with a fully equipped
vehicle to handle HazMat emergencies and a swift Water Rescue boat during flooding. The
Berkeley County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management ollows the adopted Basic Plan, called the Berkeley County Emergency Operations Plan. The plan is an official instrument approved by the County Commission upon which all disaster operations of Berkeley County are formulated, and is represented by Berkeley County Departments and support agencies, responsible for the various Annexes of the Basic Plan. The Office of Emergency
Services works in conjunction with the State, Federal and Local authorities, including the surrounding Berkeley County area when required.
In keeping with the nationwide strategy of the Integrated Emergency Management System (IEMS), this plan is concerned with all types of emergency situations and how they may develop, be prevented and finally resolved. Accordingly, this plan accounts for activities before, during and after emergency operations. However, any of the phases may, and often do, occur concurrently, especially during long term and/or widespread emergency situations.
The Berkeley County Office of Homeland
Security and Emergency Management will activate the Emergency Operations Center during any major disaster to allow coordination of all support agencies to provide continuity of services to the public. OES is responsible for advisement, notification and assembly of services that are in the best interest of the citizens of Berkeley County.OES also prepares and distributes information and procedures governing emergency activities during a disaster.
