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Emergency Management Division

(843) 918-2319

Travis Glatki, Emergency Manager
Dana Rush, Emergency Management Assistant 

OVERVIEW

The Emergency Management Division's mission is to provide leadership and assistance to the residents, visitors and city employees alike in an effort to reduce the harmful effects caused by disasters.  The Emergency Management team serves as a division within the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.  However, the team works alongside all city departments, including Fire, Police, Public Information and Public Works

To learn more about how to prepare for hurricanes, see our Hurricane Preparedness webpage.  To learn more about floodplains, visit the Flood Protection webpage.

RECEIVE CITY ALERTSQRCode

The City of Myrtle Beach launched a new emergency notification system in November 2022!  The service, called "MB Alerts" (Regroup), provides a way for city staff to keep residents informed during emergencies.  Notification topics include:  hurricane and tropical storm updates; beach and severe weather warnings; public health and public safety alerts; solid waste and recycling messages; special event updates; and, general city information. 

Interested participants can register online with the QR Code (above).  Or, visit the MB Alerts webpage.  To sign up, enter a name, in-city address and telephone number.  Then, select the “Confirm by SMS/Text” button to receive a confirmation code to your phone.  Enter the confirmation code and click “Subscribe.”  The second webpage allows users to sign up for different types of messages.  Under each selection, users choose a delivery method:  email, text (SMS) and/or phone call (TTS).  (Note:  A confirmation email will be sent to users who provide one.  Open the email and click the “Confirm my account” button.)   For assistance, call Regroup tech support at 415-413-0072.


MISSION

The Emergency Management Division is dedicated to continuing professional education to best serve the city.  And, the Emergency Management team serves as a vital instrument to develop a "whole community" approach to emergency preparedness and management, working alongside governmental partners and non-governmental partners.  Emergencies include natural and manmade disasters; however, due to the city's coastal location, hurricane efforts are a top priority.  To view the city's Disaster Recovery Plan, click here.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Prevention – Take action to prevent imminent threats.
  2. Protection – Secure the city against manmade and natural disasters.
  3. Mitigation – Reduce impact of hazards.
  4. Reponse – Coordinate disaster-related actions.
  5. Recovery – Restore city to pre-disaster condition.
DUTIES

  • Works to develop and update emergency management policies, plans and materials.
  • Manages and oversees the city's Emergency Operations Plan and the Emergency Operation Center.
  • Develops vital relationships with local municipalities, county organizations and state and federal officials to facilitate communication, response effort coordination, shared equipment/personnel, etc.
  • Consults with local and area officials and leaders (government, schools, hospitals and other important organizations) to determine their needs and capabilities in the event of an emergency.
  • Partners with non-government organizations (NGOs) to gain knowledge and resources needed during times of disaster.
  • Applies for federal funding for emergency management needs; and, administers grants and reports funding progress.
  • Continues professional education by attending relevant meetings, conferences and workshops related to emergency management.
  • Updates emergency response policies and procedures as needed based on regulation changes, technological advancements and/or gained knowledge from other emergencies (local, national and international).
  • Serves as city's primary point-of-contact for all prevention, mitigation, response and recovery related efforts.
  • Utilizes National Response Framework (NRF) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).
  • Leads coordination of inter-agency response by establishing a unified command.
WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT?

"Emergency management" refers to the managerial function that creates the necessary framework within a community to help reduce the vulnerability to hazards and help cope with disasters.  The function seeks to promote safety and resilience.  The coordination and integration of all activities to build, sustain and improve the capability to:  mitigate against, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES


  1. Comprehensive – Considers and takes into account all possible hazards, phases, stakeholders and impacts relevant to disasters.
  2. Progressive – Anticipates future disasters and takes preventive and preparatory measures to help communities become more disaster resistent and resilient.
  3. Risk-Driven – Uses hazard identification, risk analysis and impact analysis to prioritize efforts and resources.
  4. Integrated – Ensures unity of efforts among all levels of government and all elements of the community.
  5. Collaborative – Creates and sustains broad, sincere relationships to encourage trust; advocates for a team atmosphere to facilitate consensus and communication.
  6. Coordinated – Synchronizes activities for all relevant stakeholders to achieve a common purpose.
  7. Flexible – Utilizes creative and innovative approaches to solve disaster challenges.
  8. Professional – Implements scientific approach based on education, training, experience and ethical practice.
HELPFUL LINKS

ONLINE RESOURCES