Regional Administrator, Andrew Velasquez discusses National Severe Weather Preparedness week and how FEMA and NOAA call upon everyone across the country to be a "Force of Nature" in their communities.

Regional Administrator, Andrew Velasquez discussed the need to become familiar with your communities’ public alert system. FEMA and NOAA call upon everyone across the country to be a "Force of Nature" in their communities.

2012 Be a Force of Nature, Tell your friends and neighbors about your emergency plans before severe weather strikes.

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Position: Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Location: McHenry County Government Center

Job Description:

The McHenry County Emergency Management Agency has an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals seeking to make a difference in McHenry County. McHenry County is seeking qualified applicants for a full time Emergency Preparedness Specialist. The employee in this position will develop policies, guidelines, and service delivery systems which address the emergency management and preparedness needs of McHenry County.

If this sounds exciting to you, here are some additional duties the employee in this position will accomplish:

* Identify issues and provide recommendations for solutions related to mass care, evacuation, shelter, food and related human services emergency and disaster response issues. Evaluate methods, track and compile data, and research information for the recommendations provided.
* Identify possible funding sources for program or service initiatives from entities like government agencies and philanthropic foundations/organizations. Assist with development of grant applications including Homeland Security Grants and County pass-through grants.
* Prepare the Plans Section’s annual Scope of Work submission of the Emergency Management performance Grant in accordance with federal grant guidance.
* Manage the review and update of the Emergency Operations Plan and provide guidance to municipalities and townships
* Research, compile, and draft plans, SOPs, and annexes for inclusion in existing documents, or produce new documents as required.
* Serve as a Lead Planner in the Emergency Operations Center responsible for coordinating operations and produce the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and associated documents during actual events and exercises.
* Travel may be required during training or actual emergencies.



To make the greatest impact in this position, we ask that applicants possess the following qualifications:

* Certification in FEMA PDS and Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Plan, preferred.
* Three to five years of Emergency Management Agency experience in a supervisory role with continuous job specific education.
* Experience in emergency management research, preparedness, and disaster planning would be a plus as well.
* Possess excellent oral and communication skills with a diverse range of stakeholders including training and presentations.
* Be able to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem-solving.
* Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
* Valid driver’s license.



Benefits

This full time position qualifies for the full McHenry County Benefit Package including BlueCross BlueShield Medical and Dental Insurance; Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan; and paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time.

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Friday, April 06, 2012

March is Severe Weather Preparedness Month in Illinois, and the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) are joining forces to encourage Illinois residents to have National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) all-hazards weather alert radios. A weather alert radio provides potentially life-saving alerts about approaching severe weather and other hazards in your area 24 hours a day.

IESMA and IEMA are sponsoring the "Weather Alert Radios Save Lives" contest throughout March to promote the use of weather alert radios. The contest is open to all Illinois residents. To participate, simply click on the contest link below, read a narrative about weather alert radios and take the five-question quiz. After completing the quiz, fill out the entry form and click "submit." A total of 100 NOAA weather alert radios will be awarded to participants throughout Illinois.

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Monday, March 05, 2012

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Monday, March 05, 2012

FEMA Administrator Andrew Velasquez III gives reminders of the importance of the dangers of earthquakes and the importance of planning and preparation.

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

IESMA on Facebook!

Make sure to friend IESMA's new facebook page at www.facebook.com/iesma.org!

Thursday, September 01, 2011