West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 170 - Homeland Security And Emergency Management
📘 West Virginia Code of State Rules - Agency 170: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Agency 170 of the West Virginia Code of State Rules is responsible for the state's emergency management and homeland security policies. It operates under the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM), which is tasked with ensuring the state's preparedness and response to natural disasters, terrorism, and other emergencies. The agency's rules outline the framework for the state’s response efforts, including coordination, funding, and safety protocols.
📑 Structure of Agency 170 Rules
The rules within Agency 170 are primarily concerned with emergency management operations, the roles and responsibilities of emergency responders, and the procedures for coordinating state and local government responses to disasters. They also govern how federal, state, and local entities interact during an emergency.
Here’s a breakdown of the key sections and their purpose:
1. General Provisions (170-1)
This section includes the general authority of the agency and its objectives. It outlines the mission and purpose of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM), which is to protect the citizens of West Virginia from various disasters, both natural and human-made, and to ensure the state’s readiness in the face of emergencies.
Key Terms: This section defines critical terms like "disaster," "emergency," "incident," "emergency management," and other foundational terms used in the rulebook.
Authority: Establishes the legal authority under which the WVDHSEM operates. This includes its authority to take action in emergency situations, provide funding, and coordinate resources.
2. Disaster Recovery and Response Operations (170-2)
This chapter outlines how West Virginia will respond to disasters and manage recovery operations. The provisions describe how the state coordinates with local agencies, federal partners, and non-profit organizations.
Disaster Declaration Process: It explains how the Governor can issue a state of emergency or request federal assistance after a disaster. The process includes the steps for a Governor's Disaster Declaration, which triggers the activation of resources and emergency services.
Incident Management: The rules provide guidelines for establishing an Incident Management System (IMS). This is crucial for coordinating resources and personnel during an emergency and ensuring a unified response.
Coordination: Defines the roles of state agencies, counties, and local authorities, establishing a clear chain of command during emergencies.
3. Emergency Management Program Standards (170-3)
This section outlines the minimum program standards for emergency management at the local government level. It ensures that local entities are capable of effectively responding to emergencies, both individually and in coordination with the state.
Planning Requirements: Requires local governments to develop and maintain emergency plans that include the identification of critical infrastructure, evacuation routes, and plans for special populations (e.g., people with disabilities).
Training: Mandates that local responders (police, fire, EMS, etc.) must undergo regular training to remain prepared for disasters. It may also involve participating in tabletop exercises and field drills.
Mitigation: Encourages mitigation efforts to reduce the impact of disasters, such as floodplain management and retrofitting buildings for earthquake resilience.
4. Funding and Resource Management (170-4)
This section addresses the allocation of funding and the management of resources used in disaster preparedness and response.
Federal and State Assistance: Describes how federal funding (like from FEMA) and state funds can be used to support disaster response and recovery. It outlines the application process for grants and financial aid available to state and local governments.
Resource Allocation: Details how resources (personnel, equipment, supplies) are allocated during an emergency and how shortages are managed through mutual aid agreements with neighboring states or agencies.
5. Emergency Operations Centers (170-5)
The rules in this section define the establishment and operation of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in West Virginia.
EOC Activation: Describes how local, regional, and state-level EOCs are activated when a disaster or emergency situation arises.
Coordination of Operations: Defines the responsibilities of the EOC staff and their coordination with other agencies (e.g., police, fire, public health, etc.) during an emergency.
6. Training and Exercise Requirements (170-6)
This chapter focuses on the training and exercise requirements for state and local emergency responders, ensuring they are well-prepared for various emergency situations.
Drills and Exercises: It mandates regular drills, simulation exercises, and other preparedness activities to test response plans and improve coordination.
Certification: Outlines the certification requirements for certain roles within the emergency management community, such as Incident Commanders or disaster recovery specialists.
7. Continuity of Operations (170-7)
This section establishes the Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) plans for West Virginia. These plans ensure that the state can continue functioning during an emergency.
COOP: Details how critical state government functions can continue during a disaster (e.g., the delivery of emergency services, maintaining public order, and protecting vital records).
COG: Describes procedures for ensuring the operation of government, including the succession of leadership and maintaining communication between the Governor, state legislators, and emergency responders.
8. Mutual Aid and Regional Coordination (170-8)
West Virginia is part of a network of states and local governments that share resources during major emergencies. This chapter covers the principles and guidelines for mutual aid agreements.
Mutual Aid: Local jurisdictions may request and provide assistance to other jurisdictions during a disaster. This section ensures that neighboring states or counties can quickly support each other through the exchange of equipment, personnel, and supplies.
Interstate Coordination: Defines how the state collaborates with neighboring states and regional organizations to maximize resources and minimize response times.
9. Public Information and Communication (170-9)
This section governs the communication efforts during emergencies. It addresses the importance of accurate and timely public information dissemination and the coordination of communications between local, state, and federal agencies.
Media Relations: Guidelines for working with the media during an emergency, ensuring that public safety messages are clear and consistent.
Public Alerts: Explains the system for issuing emergency alerts and public warnings using tools like the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS).
10. Disaster Recovery Assistance (170-10)
This section deals with the process of providing recovery assistance after a disaster, including the types of support available to individuals, businesses, and communities.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs): Establishes how DRCs are set up to provide assistance with individual and public assistance applications.
Long-Term Recovery: Defines the role of various state and federal agencies in long-term recovery operations, including rebuilding damaged infrastructure and offering financial support to those affected by disasters.
⚖️ Legal and Practical Context
The regulations of Agency 170 align with federal policies, particularly those governed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These federal bodies oversee national-level disaster response, and state agencies like WVDHSEM must ensure that their emergency management practices align with national standards.
The rules also support state-level preparedness for all types of hazards, from natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and tornadoes, to human-made disasters such as terrorist attacks or industrial accidents.
📌 Key Takeaways
State Coordination: Agency 170 outlines the responsibilities of various state, local, and federal agencies in responding to emergencies. It emphasizes interagency coordination and the chain of command for disaster response.
Disaster Recovery: The rules specify processes for the timely distribution of resources, including funding, personnel, and equipment, during and after a disaster.
Preparedness and Training: Regular training, exercises, and drills are required to ensure that emergency responders are ready to act efficiently in a real crisis.
Funding: The state’s financial support for emergency management, including disaster recovery grants, is an essential part of maintaining preparedness.
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