The Emergency Management Division is responsible for performing technical work in the development, implementation, and management of countywide disaster prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation and risk reduction. This Division develops the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and Local Mitigation Strategy.  The team also coordinates the Emergency Operations Center, coordinates support from State and Federal organizations during an emergency, and also oversees the Seminole-Lake Petroleum Compliance and Clean-up Program.

The Office of Emergency Management provides countywide training and exercises in order to be prepared for local and state emergencies.  Training activities include managing emergency operations to ensure cohesive response to disaster situations. Additionally, Emergency Management is responsible for the development and maintenance of plans that include evacuation, shelters, agency roles and responsibilities as well as a Terrorism Annex. The Division also provides guidance to its municipalities on the development of disaster management plans. Emergency Management maintains the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) and works very closely with Seminole County Planning and Development, each municipality, and other organizations on mitigation strategies and initiatives. A Local Mitigation Strategy working group provides input and updates to the plan on a regular basis.

Special Needs - The Division of Emergency Management coordinates registration of citizens with special needs, establishes special need shelters, and provides transportation during emergency evacuations. Two special needs shelters have been established for those who meet the program criteria.

Health Care Facilities - Planning involves the review of all facility plans and integration into the County’s overall Disaster Management Plan. The Division also provides disaster management training to facilities and disaster preparedness educational materials.   

Public Outreach - Teaching citizens how to take care of themselves and their neighbors during emergency situations through the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is another initiative the Division is responsible for. In addition, emergency managers provide hours of lectures to student groups, homeowners associations and other organizations on disaster preparedness and anti-terrorism techniques.  Year-round, the Division provides informational brochures, guides, and support materials on disaster preparedness and prevention to citizens.

Terrorism - Recent attacks on the United States have turned the focus of the Division to preparing and developing protective measures for future concerns. A terrorism annex has been incorporated into the CEMP.  Briefings with County departments and various agencies are held to provide information relative to mail handling, threat awareness, and possible future terrorism events. In addition, the Division conducts vulnerability assessments on critical facilities in the County.