Emergency Management and Disaster Planning
This series of webpages provides information to help local governments in Washington State develop emergency response plans, procedures, and policies.
For information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, see our page Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Local Governments.
Overview
Emergency management in Washington State is authorized by the laws contained in the Chapter 38.52 RCW. The Washington State Military Department's Emergency Management Division administers the state emergency management program.
For state-level emergency plans, including the most recent Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, see the Emergency Management Division's Plans webpage.
State criteria for emergency management funds, workers, organizations, services and plans, and disaster recovery is outlined in the Title 118 WAC.
Counties, cities and towns are responsible for establishing and maintaining local emergency management services/organizations, plans, and programs in accordance with state regulations.
Contents
Below is a list of MRSC's webpages related to emergency management.
- Local Government Emergency Planning – Resources and examples related to emergency preparation and responses, including comprehensive emergency management plans (CEMPs), hazard mitigation planning, and disaster declarations.
- Emergency Communication Services and Facilities – Information on emergency communications, including useful resources and a list of regional emergency communications and dispatch centers in Washington
- Flood Hazard Management Planning – Information regarding floodplain hazards, including state and federal laws and examples of local provisions