Local governments make plans and provide resources to protect their citizens from the hazards that threaten their communities. This is done through mitigation activities, preparedness plans, response to emergencies, and recovery operations.

Wherever you live within the United States, a county or municipal agency has been designated as your local emergency management agency. The local government level is the most important at which to develop emergency management plans because local governments serve as the link between you and the State and Federal agencies in the emergency management network.

Click on this link to view a list of responsibilities of local governments in terms of emergency management.