Part of the Plan is the Office of Emergency Management’s monthly video series where we open our public safety plans and partnerships. Something we value at OEM is informing and including the public as to your roles in our plans. As we say: You are the Public in Public Safety. 

This month, we take a look at ourselves over the past decade: opur role in public safety in the city and working with you at home and at work. 

January 21, 2018

The Eagles are in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2005, when the Eagles faced a familiar foe in the Patriots.

A lot has happened in the city since then; new technology, new skyline, new residents. The same can be said about our office, which in its current form, did not exist in 13 years ago.

Emergency management was established in Philadelphia during World War II, but it wasn’t until 2006 when the city’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities were strengthened.

Thousands of pages and over 200 recommendations issued by an emergency preparedness committee led to the formation of the Office of Emergency Management, OEM, which now spans 3 divisions and 12 program areas.

Our Public Engagement team works towards a better prepared Philadelphia. 3 READY programs deliver emergency preparedness to the neighborhoods.  Last year, we spoke to nearly 2,800 people over 117 events. We also expanded our digital and social media reach to take the message of emergency preparedness right to residents and businesses.

Speaking of being ready, our Planning Division writes and updates dozens of public safety plans for the city. These address risks posed by natural disasters, accidents, and human-caused incidents, including severe weather or special event plans such as the pope’s visit or marathons.

OEM’s Operations Division supports our office and the city when it comes to information technology and equipment. In 2017, OEM staff and resources took part in 52 events, such as the NFL draft, major fires, and public assemblies.

And OEM is always on. The RIC, our 24/7 Regional Integration Center, is the eyes and ears of public safety for the city, tracking and providing critical information to first-responders, city departments, and the public through ReadyPhiladelphia texts and emails alerts.

Preparing, planning, and practice that produce results are some of the principles that make the 2017 Eagles a success.

We share those values.

OEM looks forward to continued growth in creating a better prepared and more resilient Philadelphia!