The Emergency Management Department for Washington County  is responsible for the County’s  Emergency Operations Plan as well as the coordination of the overall response to major emergencies or disaster's both natural or manmade. This office also coordinates the activation of the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC is where DEM staff, county and city officials, fire and police chiefs, sheriffs, public works directors, community leaders and others conduct coordination of emergency operations,  resources, direction and control, and emergency management.  Maps, charts, communications and computers provide essential information to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from disasters.