Office of Emergency Management

In times of crisis, Township and Elected Officials provide vital leadership roles as well as key authority over local decisions and funding. As emergencies can happen at any time with little or no notice, Officials must be prepared to step into this responsibility from “Day One”. The Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators serve as key advisors to the Township Leadership in both times of crisis and in day-to-day discussions over emergency management.

This page provides an overview of Cranford OEM and outlines key priorities for current and future emphasis, and challenges to the Office’s ability to carry out its core functions. This also discusses key concepts about Emergency Management. The information, analysis, and recommendations provided herein are intended to assist members of the Governing Body, as well as executive level administrative personnel, in their understanding of this office’s operations and management priorities. It also identifies items that require the attention of the incoming Administration and OEM Leadership. This is by no means an all-inclusive list of tasks at hand. It is however intended to provide a good contextual foundation to approach issues in the new year and help guide staff priorities on the OEM leadership team.

About the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Local Emergency Management Council

The Cranford Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is responsible for directing the Township’s efforts to assess hazards and produce an integrated, coordinated program for disaster and emergency management and emergency planning. The Office promotes the sharing of information and close coordination of emergency resources and other Township assets which could be used in an emergency or for preparedness, mitigation, or recovery operations. The Local Emergency Management Council (LEMC), also known as the Emergency Management Council, is a separate entity established by State Statute that is chaired by the Emergency Management Coordinator. This group is made up of senior leadership of various Township Departments, as well as members of the Township Committee and citizen representatives and advisors. The LEMC is the focal point for discussions regarding hazards, risk management, emergency planning, and the health and environmental risks of disasters. The Committee undertakes efforts aligned with the Emergency Management mission and integrates the “whole community” in planning efforts.

Mission Statement:

The Mission of the Cranford Office of Emergency Management is to protect the Township of Cranford, and its interests, by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made and technological disasters. The Office creates and maintains the framework within which the Township reduces risk and vulnerability to all-hazards and improves resiliency.

Vision Statement:

The Cranford Office of Emergency Management seeks to promote a safer, less vulnerable community with the resilience to cope with hazards and disasters.