Emergency Response Process

When an emergency or disaster strikes, certain actions should take place:

1. Local first response agencies (law enforcement, fire, EMS, etc.) will respond to the incident.
2. The local jurisdiction will respond to the incident with the priorities of life safety, property preservation, and protection of the environment.
3. If the incident is significant in nature, County Emergency Management personnel will notify the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management (OEM) of the event.
4. If necessary, OEM will send personnel to the incident to gather information and advise the local jurisdiction in establishment of a management organization to conduct initial response to the incident.
5. The local jurisdiction will request additional resources, if needed, through mutual aid.  This may include the South Dakota Incident Management Assistance Team (IMAT) to assist with the management of the incident.
6. As the response continues, OEM will assist and guide county officials with assessing the damage and immediate needs of the area. 
7. The local jurisdiction will gather damage assessment information by utilizing Crisis Track, a software application provided to the jurisdiction by the State of South Dakota.
8. In partnership with the local jurisdiction, OEM coordinates response by Volunteer Agencies Active in Disaster (VOAD) agencies to provide assistance to residents affected by the incident, if required.
9. Following an evaluation, a county determines if the event is beyond its capabilities.  If so, the county commission declares a disaster, requesting help from the State of South Dakota.
10. Once the incident has stabilized and the response phase has been accomplished, the incident continues into the recovery phase.