About Us

On April 29, 2016, the City of Seattle's emergency management program was accredited by the national Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) Commission.

OEM MISSION

We partner with the community to prepare for, respond to, mitigate the impacts of, and recover from disasters.  

PRINCIPLES OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Comprehensive 

We consider and take into account all hazards, all phases, all stakeholders and all impacts relevant to disasters.

Progressive  

We anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient communities.

Risk-Driven

We use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources.

Integrated

We ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of the community.

Collaborative

We create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.

Flexible

We use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges.

Professional

We value a science and knowledge-based approach based on education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous improvement.

VALUES

We strive to be service oriented, collaborative, and continuously improving.

ROLES

The Seattle Office of Emergency Management is responsible for managing and coordinating the City's resources and responsibilities in dealing with all aspects of emergencies.

Unity of Effort

Seattle's Disaster Management Committee meets monthly with department and agency representatives who advise on disaster readiness and response capabilities within the City. The Strategic Work Group meets weekly to work on emergency management topics that enhance our citywide preparedness. The Mayor chairs the Emergency Executive Board made up of senior staff and key Department Directors who address emergency management policies.

Mitigation

The OEM actively works to mitigate known hazards through planning and the use of federal and state grants. Over the years these funds have been used to seismically retrofit community centers and critical public utilities and transportation infrastructure, as well as supported the design of basic structural guidance for retrofitting residential homes.

Community Outreach

Our community's ability to survive and recover from a disaster is a shared mission between government and the community. OEM has several programs aimed at increasing community resilience. We encourage neighborhood preparedness through our Seattle Neighborhoods Actively Prepare (SNAP) program and reach non-English speaking communities with vital training through our Community Safety Ambassador program. Our Auxiliary Communication Services (amateur radio program) with their 140+ volunteers provide essential emergency communication capabilities and vital connections between Community Emergency Hubs - predetermined locations where people come together after a disaster to share information, resources and solve problems.

Planning

The OEM is the central coordinating agency for the development, training and maintenance of the all-hazard Seattle Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, the Seattle Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis, the Seattle All Hazard Mitigation Plan, Seattle Disaster Recovery Framework, Departmental Continuity of Operations Plan, an OEM Strategic Plan, and many incident-specific checklists and protocols. OEM works closely with City departments, non-profit agencies, hospitals, schools, the military and many other elements of our overall community when developing emergency management plans.

Training and Exercises

Over 250 department, agency, regional and policy representatives are identified as Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff. The mission of the EOC is to coordinate information, resources and plans of action in times of emergency. To maintain skills, OEM offers annual training to EOC staff and conduct and evaluate exercises to test and improve emergency plans.

Disaster Response

During disasters, OEM manages the city's EOC which is the central location for strategic collaboration and information sharing. Since 2005, the EOC has activated 40 times, 6 of those for Presidentially Declared Disasters. The EOC works closely with King County, Washington State and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Activations have been for earthquake, snow, wind, large fires, protests, excessive heat, flu, transportation accidents and large planned events.

Recovery

With every Presidentially Declared Disaster, OEM staff advocate for and administer federal disaster assistance programs made available to City government, residents, and businesses through the Stafford Act. OEM also coordinates post-disaster recovery planning designed to guide community recovery and rebuilding after major disasters.

Publications

Here you can find OEM publications and documents that fall outside of our normal planning documentation, including Annual reports and a history of EOC activations. The "New and Relevant" section includes publications, presentations, and other resources from OEM and our partners. To see our official planning documents please go to the Plans section of our website.