DEM Supported Boards and Commissions

Nevada Earthquake Safety Council (NESC)
The mission of the Nevada Earthquake Safety Council (NESC) is to provide decision makers and the general public with information and actions to reduce earthquake losses and speed recovery. The Council promotes earthquake awareness and preparedness through education, research, and policy recommendations. The Council facilitates public input, develops consensus about seismic issues within the public and private sectors, and is the public advisory body for State seismic safety policy. Earthquake Safety Council meets on a quarterly basis.
 

Nevada EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL (EMCC)
The mission of the EMCC is to advise Nevada Division of Emergency Management (NDEM) on matters pertaining to disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery within the state. The EMCC meets at least quarterly. The EMCC members, appointed by the DEM Chief, consist of no more than 11 voting members comprised of:

• 9 - County/City Emergency Managers

• 2 - Tribal Government Emergency Managers

DEM provides one individual to serve as the EMCC Coordinator for all meetings, correspondence and other requested duties of the EMCC.

Through a collaborative effort, the EMCC proposes to the DEM Chief measures that will enhance and standardize mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities, to include, but is not limited to, consideration in the following areas:

• Protection of the lives and property of all persons within the territorial limits of the State by considering and recommending necessary baseline organizational requirements for the varying diversity that exists statewide. Any recommendations for this baseline shall include the requirement of the National Preparedness Goals and emergency management programs goals, and objectives.

• Coordination and assistance, through available resources, the efforts of emergency management organizations throughout the state in maintaining emergency preparedness capabilities.

• Providing for the consistent improvement of standards, practices, and effectiveness of emergency management activities in the state of Nevada.

• Collection and dissemination of helpful information concerning matters related to emergency management processes, programs, and activities throughout the state.

• Coordination of communication measures to be shared between the federal, state, local, and tribal agencies in fostering their support and participation in emergency management processes and programs.

• Providing all statewide emergency management partners with new developments and approved principles relating to emergency management programs.

• Working with other organizations, to include private, non-governmental organizations and non-profits, in a professional and advisory capacity, regarding matters related to emergency management.

• Reviewing processes and procedures related to statewide emergency management and making recommendations to the Chief of the DEM.

Nevada Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee (NHMPC)
The Purpose of this Committee is to advise the Nevada Division of Emergency Management (NDEM) concerning hazard-mitigation planning, activities and policies. All hazards, including natural and man-made, may be considered. The Committee should adhere to the State Hazard Mitigation Plan prepared in accordance with the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000). Specific charges to the Committee are to:

• Implement the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, through the following actions:
• Encourage local and regional, multi-jurisdictional governmental agencies and the private sector to prepare their own hazard mitigation plans;
• Initiate the preparation of appropriate proposals from state agencies and encourage local and regional, multi-jurisdictional governmental agencies to submit proposals for pre-disaster mitigation projects in Nevada;
• Review proposals submitted for pre-disaster mitigation projects and make recommendations to NDEM for priorities for funding;
• Assist NDEM in the preparation of formal proposals to FEMA for pre-disaster mitigation projects;
• Promote activities that contribute toward building disaster-resistant communities throughout Nevada; and
• Assess risks from natural hazards in Nevada, and use risk assessments in the development of Hazard Mitigation Plans and in the evaluation of proposals for mitigation projects
• Review and revise the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, as required by federal law or as needed.

Search and Rescue (SAR) Board
The board of search and rescue, consisting of 10 members appointed by the chief, is hereby created. The chief shall appoint:

• One member representing the Nevada Wing of the Civil Defense Air Patrol
• One member from the Nevada National Guard
• Four members from the Nevada Sheriffs and Chiefs Association
• One member from the Health Division
• One member from the Division of Forestry
• A Search and Rescue representative belonging to a law enforcement agency, and
• One member from the Nevada Fire Chief’s Association

The term of appointment is two years. The Board meets quarterly to discuss search and rescue issues such as training and development of techniques. SAR is defined as the process of searching for, extricating and providing for the immediate medical treatment of victims trapped.


Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) Team
The Preliminary Damage Assessment Team (PDA) was formed to improve the State’s capabilities to determine the nature, magnitude and severity of emergencies and disasters. PDA works with affected local governments to rapidly assess damage and resource needs in support of both response and recovery operations. The timely and accurate assessment of damage to public and private property following an emergency or disaster is of vital concern to State and local officials.