Mission Statement
The Hempfield Township Emergency Management Agency’s (HEMA) primary mission is to support the residents, visitors, and first responders (Fire, EMS, and Police) of Hempfield Township and to reduce loss of life and property in order to protect the environment from all-hazards (man-made and natural) and acts of terrorism.This is accomplished through collaboration and to build, sustain, and improve our capabilities to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards, by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership, and advocacy through a comprehensive, all-hazards, risk-based emergency preparedness program.When HEMA becomes involved in an incident, it is because the scope and scale of the incident necessitates assistance beyond local resources. When HEMA is engaged, officials from the Township and County (and possibly State and Federal) are also involved along with nongovernmental organizations (NG0s), elements of the private sector.
This mission will be achieved through coordination and cooperation of various Township Departments, Volunteer Units, regional partners, and other organizations that would have a role in any major emergency. Ensuring that the efforts of all players are coordinated and synchronized to achieve the best results is the job of incident management.
Description
The Hempfield Township Emergency Management Agency (HEMA) is always seeking new volunteers to compliment its staff and better serve the community. Even if you do not possess any emergency services training, we have a position for you!
Volunteers at HEMA come from all backgrounds and areas of expertise. While we all work together as a cohesive unit of Emergency Management; during non-emergency times we are artists, electricians, sales-persons, stylists, DJ’s, utility workers, and a multitude of other professions!
Some of the activities, other than emergency response, that volunteers can assist in are: planning, professional communications, shelter assistance, equipment and supply acquisition, maintenance, and HAM radio operations.
There is no cost for training and most of the classes are self-paced and available online though the Independent Study website of FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (http://training.fema.gov/IS/).
The HEMA staff meets bimonthly on the fourth Thursday of even numbered months at the HEMA Building starting at 7PM. Feel free to stop by and learn more about Emergency Management and how you can contribute to your community.
