You are here: Home What We Do
What We Do PDF Print E-mail

The Copiah County Emergency Management Agency is made up of three (3) departments:

Emergency Management, 911, and 911 Addressing

Each department works hand in hand to provide a timely and effective response to any emergency.

The Copiah County Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is a multi-functional agency whose primary duty is to prepare, respond and recover from several types of natural, man-made and technological disasters that may occur in Copiah County. These disasters include severe weather emergencies such as large thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, large fires and hazardous materials incidents. This agency serves as a data collection point for facilities in our county that manufacture and/or store hazardous materials. The location and type of these materials is important to know in case of a large fire or explosion. We also serve as a support agency for other county departments as well as assisting municipalities as needed. We are the liaison agency between the cities and county to the State of Mississippi and the Federal Government in case of a major disaster.

The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) provides:

■  Effective and orderly governmental control and coordination of emergency operations in emergencies within the scope of Mississippi Statutes;

■  Develops and maintains the County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan providing emergency management planning for the entire County and the Cities of Hazlehurst, Crystal Springs and the Town of Wesson.

■  Coordinates emergency management activities, services and programs, including:

Helping citizens prepare for disasters

■  Coordinating disaster assistance and resources available to our communities, businesses, and individuals

■  Training and emergency exercises

■  Maintaining an up to date address database that provides important information to emergency responders.

■  Maintaining a County and City wide inoperative 700 MHz radio system to provide the best emergency communications available.

The Emergency Management Agency is a key agency in disaster situations, by coordinating agencies in PREPAREDNESS - RESPONSE – RECOVERY and MITIGATION in a local disaster event.  The single most crucial aspect of effective emergency management is making sure before a disaster occurs responsibility, authority, and channels of communication are clearly delineated.

The Emergency Management Agency is available for 24-hour operations in times of emergency and disaster and becomes operational during severe weather, floods, large scale technological incidents events, and in cases of national or international crisis.

The Copiah County EMA provides the following services:

Warning Systems – A paging system which enables rapid notification of danger to local volunteer fire departments, schools, hospitals, law enforcement and media.

Weather Information – As a cooperative reporting observer for the National Weather Service, weather spotter training is available thru the Copiah County EMA.  Public weather forecast is available by calling:  1-800-295-1944.

StormReady Community – The Copiah County Emergency Management Agency meets strict requirements to qualify as a Storm Ready Community through the National Weather Service.  StormReady communities are better prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness.  Copiah County is one of only a few counties in Mississippi certified by the National Weather service as a StormReady community.

Community Preparedness – Test and exercises are conducted in areas of natural and man-made emergencies to enhance rapid notification and response to such an event.  Emergency Plans are coordinated with local responders to insure swift response.

Sheltering And Volunteer Agencies – The EOC works hand in hand with local Volunteer Response Agencies such as American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, to provide suitable sheltering and food in times of disaster and emergencies.

Public Education – Training classes, preparedness presentations, brochures and Public Information is available by calling: 601-894-1658.