Natural disasters can cause a lot of mayhem, but with careful planning,
emergency management directors can make them a little less, well… disastrous.
Along with their partners in public safety and other agencies, they respond quickly to emergencies,
from hurricanes and floods to hazardous spills or hostage situations, working to restore safety and order.
Emergency management directors minimize risk throughout the year by
assessing hazards and making necessary preparations.
They know that after a natural disaster, resources may be scarce, so they
develop plans in advance to share resources, expertise, and equipment
with the broader community to ensure that everyone has the tools to survive and recover.
These directors design programs to help staff, first responders, and volunteers get
ready to face whatever challenges may crop up in an emergency, and to minimize risk to people and property.
After a disaster, they coordinate damage assessments.
They also obtain funding to maintain and upgrade shelter spaces and pay for preparations.
The work is full time, with considerable overtime during emergencies.
Entry level requirements range from a high school diploma to a
bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field,
but the most important thing is extensive experience. Certifications are also available.