Office of Emergency Management
Mission Statement
Revised: February 20, 2003

The Franklin Township Office of Emergency Management, hereinafter "OEM," focuses on the protection of life and property for all residents, businesses, (including their employees), and the traveling public. OEM provides protection through the latest body of knowledge and current Emergency Management practices as set forth in federal, state, and county regulations. OEM personnel provide protection through study, planning and application of all phases of Emergency Management, while concentrating on mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

OEM fosters the "TEAM" approach through education, coaching and partnering with each member. Members include municipal officials, the Emergency Management Council, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, emergency services and all municipal departments as outlined in the Township Code.

OEM will provide direction and obtain resources to members of the TEAM in events such as natural and technological disasters. OEM will provide coordination and assistance to police, fire, rescue, emergency medical and municipal government.

OEM will achieve a complete integration of Emergency Management through current technologies available, using proven management practices and implementing the incident command system. OEM will complete the integration process by educating the general public through publications, phamphlets and public service announcements.

Past History and Future Development

The Franklin Township OEM has been preparing for technological and natural disasters long before the terrorist attacks which occurred on September 11, 2001. In fact, OEM completed a comprehensive Emergency Management Operating Plan (EOP) in 1994. In 1999, an all-encompassing vulnerability study was completed which identified key hazards within the Township's borders. Since that time, OEM has continually updated the EOP to insure that all sectors of the plan are fully functional. OEM is currently processing another revision to the EOP, which will be submitted to the county and state Office's of Emergency Management for review and approval.

The EOP has detailed information covering preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery of a disaster that may occur within the Township. The EOP focuses on the following areas:

1. Alerting and Warning
2. Fire and Rescue activities
3. Law Enforcement activities
4. Public Health awareness
5. Emergency Medical Services
6. Evacuation procedures
7. Shelter placement and deployment
8. Check-in procedures and shelter management
9. Resource Management
10. Coordination with the media
11. Department of Public Works activities
12. Tactical Operations from the Emergency Operating Center
13. Damage Assessments of public infrastructures and buildings
14. Handling of Hazardous Materials
15. Terrorists activities
16. Radiological Protection

In summary, the Franklin Township Office of Emergency Management has been planning in the past and will continue to plan in the future. We will update the Emergency Operating Plan as needed to protect residents, businesses and visitors to our Township.

Lawrence W. Roberts Chief of Police

Kenneth W. Daly Township Manager

J. Gary Howarth OEM Coordinator