HSEMC
The Columbia County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Commission (HSEMC) is a steering committee of public and private organizations from throughout Columbia County that works to coordinate response to local emergencies.
HSEMC was formed in 2008 to advise the Columbia County Board of Commissioners and the Columbia County Emergency Management department. Using the best homeland security and emergency management principles, the commission helps determine the direction and priorities of the department. The committee takes a comprehensive approach to emergency management, working toward prevention while at the same time, preparing for unexpected emergencies and unforeseen situations.
Emergency Management is more effective if it is integrated into daily decisions and not just called upon during times of disaster. HSEMC is an innovative approach to this, bringing emergency responders - including those from private businesses - together to plan and coordinate response county- and industry-wide, thereby avoiding disparities in methods.
HSEMC partners work together to provide continuity to and coordinate emergency response throughout Columbia County. Together, HSEMC and the county organize outreach, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery duties surrounding incidents of all kinds - from floods to fires to landslides to chemical spills.