[Why is There a Need?]
The media brings disaster reports into our homes all too often. Each disaster is in someone's community, perhaps our very own. As the metropolitan area grows, so does the risk of disaster.
These risks are increased by the variety of hazards in the community including:
Natural Hazards
Tornados, Floods, Severe Weather
Technological Hazards
HazMat Spills, Transportion Accidents, Radiological Incidents
As well as acts of Terrorism, Chemical and Biological, Radiologicial, Nucelar and Explosice Disasters
These disasters often cross geographical boundries. The coordination among all sectors of the community are necessary.
"The occurance of a disaster or emergency is not the time to pass out business cards; those relationships must be developed well before they are needed." - Commissioner Michael Campion - MN Department of Public Safety
THIS IS A DRILL!!
Operation Black Cat exercise May 2, 2009
THIS IS A DRILL!!
VISITORS TO MEMA WEBSITE
Next Meeting
March 7, 2012
See "calendar" for times and locations
No February meeting due to the Governor's Conference
[What is MEMA?]
The Metropolitan Emergency Managers' Association (MEMA) is an organization whose members are involved in emergency preparedness and disaster response.
Members are connected by thier responsiblity for planning, warning, and responding to disasters. They come from public, private, and volunteer orgainizations that operate and are located in the ten county Twin Cities metropolitan area.
The counties served by MEMA are: Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
[Purpose of MEMA?]
MEMA members cooperate and share ideas to help the community prepare for and respond to disasters.
These ideas are guided by the following prinicples of emergency management.
MITIGATION
Activities that can help avoid a disaster or minimize its impact.
PREPAREDNESS
Activities that enhance the abilities of individuals, communities, and businesses to respond to disaster.
RESPONSE
Activities that deal with the emergency needs to prevent loss of life and property.
RECOVERY
Efforts to return the community back to normal fuctions.
