Mission
It is the mission of Montgomery County OEMHS to prevent, protect against. plan and prepare for natural and man-made hazards that may threaten, disrupt, or harm our communities, commerce, and institutions and to effectively manage and coordinate the County’s unified response and recovery from the consequences of such disasters.
Vision
Our vision is to have a comprehensive emergency management program that incorporates prevention, protection, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation to promote disaster resilient communities. Montgomery County, in partnership with state and municipal governments, the private and nonprofit sectors, communities, and residents will work to develop a strong, secure, and resilient Montgomery County that is capable of protecting against major threats that may harm, disrupt, or destroy our communities, commerce, and institutions. A resilient Montgomery County will effectively manage its unified response, mitigation, support and recovery from the consequences of such disasters or events. Fundamental to this vision is cooperation between Montgomery County’s municipalities and departments, particularly those that participate within the Emergency Management Group (EMG), to achieve our goal of protecting county residents, critical infrastructure, and key resources and to respond and recover from incidents that may occur.
Leadership
Luke J. Hodgson, MS, MA, CEM
Director, OEMHS
Nicole Markuski, MS, MEP
Deputy Director, OEMHS
Chuck Magee
Division Chief, Risk Reduction and Resilience, OEMHS
Vacant
Division Chief, Preparedness and Outreach, OEMHS
Contact: [email protected]
Divisions
Risk Reduction and Resilience Division
The Risk Reduction and Resilience Division is dedicated to protecting our community by proactively identifying and mitigating risks while enhancing our capacity to respond to and recover from emergencies.
Our key programs, including the flood sensor network, Mesonet system, and Alert Montgomery program, provide critical real-time data and timely notifications to safeguard lives and property. We lead comprehensive hazard mitigation and climate adaptation efforts to address current and future challenges, ensuring long-term community resilience.
Additionally, the division oversees debris management and damage assessment operations, facilitating efficient and effective recovery efforts. Through these initiatives, Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) remains committed to fostering a safer, more resilient environment for all residents.
Mission Support
The Mission Support Division is integral to the emergency management framework, providing essential administrative and financial oversight. This division manages grants administration, ensuring the effective acquisition and stewardship of funding to support county initiatives. It also leads outgoing grants, such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, to better prepare the community for emergencies.
In addition, the division oversees department budget development and management, aligning resources to meet operational priorities and sustain critical programs. The division also coordinates with the state on individual and public assistance programs, facilitating timely support and recovery services for residents affected by disasters.
Through these functions, the Mission Support Division ensures the efficient and accountable delivery of vital resources that strengthen Montgomery County’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
Preparedness and Outreach Division
The Preparedness and Outreach Division leads efforts to enhance community readiness and resilience through comprehensive training, planning, and engagement. This division oversees the Emergency Management Group (EMG), a multi-disciplinary team of county employees and community members who come together to plan for and respond to emergencies. It also coordinates robust training and exercise programs, and spearheads critical infrastructure protection (CIP) initiatives.
The division also directs continuity of operations planning (COOP) to ensure essential county services remain uninterrupted during emergencies. Through proactive community outreach, the division fosters public awareness and collaboration, empowering Montgomery County residents and partners to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters.
