Cobb Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) maintains various plans and procedures relating to emergency management, with two key plans focused on emergency operations and hazard mitigation: Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).

Any questions related to emergency management plans or planning may be directed to Cobb EMA by calling the main line at (770) 499-4567.

The Local Emergency Operations Plan has been developed to ensure prior mitigation and preparedness, appropriate response, and timely recovery from natural or man-made hazards affecting Cobb County. The Board of Commissioners last adopted the plan on June 24, 2022.

The plan is considered a living document and can be updated as needed by Cobb EMA in coordination with partner agencies.

The plan is organized based on plan criteria outlined by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency. It contains 15 emergency support functions that can be staffed within the Emergency Operations Center as needed during response and recovery operations. The individuals staffing these emergency support functions serve as EMA’s subject matter experts, contributing to a well-coordinated response to emergencies.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are the responsibility of the lead community agency or organization for each emergency support function in coordination with other assisting agencies and organizations.

Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP)

Purpose of Hazard Mitigation Plan

A Hazard Mitigation Plan forms the foundation for a community's long-term strategy to address disaster losses by identifying actions and projects to reduce or eliminate the impacts that hazards have on the community.

Since historic floods devastated Cobb County in 2009, the City of Austell, the City of Powder Springs and Cobb County Government have placed a great deal of emphasis on removing residences out of floodplain areas through the receipt of Federal hazard mitigation grant funding. Without the Hazard Mitigation Plan in place, receipt of these funds would not have been possible.

Plan Adoption and Receipt of Funding

Local governments and municipal jurisdictions are required to participate in the development and adoption of their local hazard mitigation plan as a condition of receiving certain types of hazard mitigation disaster assistance, emergency and non-emergency. The requirements and procedures for state and local mitigation plans are found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Title 44, Chapter 1, Part 201 (44 CFR Part 201).

Facilities subject to Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) requirements must submit an Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Form to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), and the local fire department annually, by March 1st. Georgia requires all reporting to be electronic utilizing E-Plan.

A single submission of Tier II information to E-Plan can satisfy the requirements for individual submissions to the SERC, LEPC, and local jurisdictional fire department. Please note that the Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, the State of Georgia, or the Cobb County Resource Council / LEPC do not charge fees for Tier II filing.

For more information about reporting requirements and the newest version of the Tier 2 Submit Software, visit the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) web site.

Also visit:

• United States EPA website
• E-Plan - Emergency Response Information System
• Cobb County Resource Council, Inc./LEPC

If you have any questions email Tier2@cobbcounty.org

• Business Continuity Planning Checklist
• Business Continuity Planning Guide

Will you still be in business after a disaster? A significant number of businesses impacted by a disaster never reopen. Whether it's a fire, a flood, or a tornado, you need a plan to get your business back up and running after a disaster.

Reopening your business quickly is important to you, your employees, and the community. Use this checklist to help you create a Business Continuity Plan for your small to mid-sized business, and prepare your business to survive the unexpected.