Committees
Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management (JCHSEM) works with local government, public safety agencies, private organizations, and community members to prepare for emergencies, reduce risks, and strengthen community resilience. Its committees support emergency management planning, public education, partnerships, hazardous materials preparedness, and hazard mitigation.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee works with the JCHSEM Director to guide the department’s activities. The 14-member committee includes representatives from public and private organizations. The Jefferson County Commission appoints all committee members and maintains overall responsibility for JCHSEM.
The committee meets at 9:00 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 28 Industrial Boulevard, Kearneysville, on the fourth Tuesday of February, March, May, June, August, and September. An additional meeting is held in November or December. Quarterly Partnership meetings in January, April, July, and October also serve as Steering Committee meetings. Schedules may change, so confirm meeting details with the department.
Public Awareness, Education and Training Committee
The Public Awareness, Education and Training Committee communicates JCHSEM activities to the public and builds support for its programs. Working with the Director and department staff, the committee helps residents and businesses understand emergency management goals, community preparedness efforts, and opportunities to get involved.
Responsibilities include coordinating public awareness events, helping arrange speaking engagements, and sharing information about the work of community partners. Anyone interested in serving on this committee may participate.
The committee meets at 8:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, except December, at the EOC, 28 Industrial Boulevard, Kearneysville, unless otherwise announced.
Partnership & Development Committee
The Partnership and Development Committee was established to help JCHSEM identify potential community partners, understand the resources they can contribute to preparedness efforts, and recruit volunteers.
This committee’s responsibilities were incorporated into the Public Awareness, Education and Training Committee in January 2018. Its work continues through efforts to strengthen community partnerships and encourage public involvement in emergency preparedness.
Counter Terrorism Committee
The Counter Terrorism Committee focuses on planning and training for terrorism and other human-caused disasters. As a subcommittee of the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning Committee, it addresses preparedness needs involving potential threats to the community.
Due to the sensitive nature of homeland security matters, membership is limited to representatives from law enforcement, emergency management, homeland security, emergency communications, the Red Cross, schools, healthcare, fire companies, ambulance authorities and EMS, and government.
Meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of each month at the EOC, 28 Industrial Boulevard, Kearneysville, unless otherwise announced.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
The Local Emergency Planning Committee supports hazardous materials emergency planning and community safety. Established under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), the LEPC works to help communities prepare for and mitigate the effects of releases or spills involving natural or man-made hazardous materials.
The committee’s work supports coordination among emergency response organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to improve preparedness and protect public health and the environment.
The LEPC meets every other month. Meeting minutes and additional information are available through the department.
All Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee
The All Hazards Mitigation Planning Committee examines Jefferson County’s risks and vulnerabilities to natural and human-caused hazards. Members assess potential impacts to the community and review critical infrastructure and key resources to identify those most susceptible to damage or disruption.
The committee supports the development and review of the County’s All Hazards Mitigation Plan, which identifies risks and strategies to reduce future disaster losses. The plan helps guide mitigation efforts and supports long-term community resilience.
Anyone interested in serving on this committee may participate. The committee meets as needed and reviews mitigation planning documents and strategies.
Have Questions?
Contact us to learn more. We’re happy to help!
Phone
304-728-3290
Fax 304-728-3320
Address
28 Industrial Blvd., Suite 101
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Dick W. Myers
Director/Planner/Program Manager
304-728-3329
Cell: 304-839-0325
dick.w.meyers@jeffcowv.gov
Brandon J. Wonder
Public Affairs Coordinator
304-724-8914
Cell: 304-268-0808
brandon.j.wonder@jeffcowv.gov