Paul Matthews, Director of the Aiken County Emergency Management Department

The Aiken County Emergency Management Division coordinates the county’s integrated emergency management system through partnerships with all emergency response organizations, voluntary agencies, private non-profit organizations and other support services, to ensure efficient preparation for, effective response to, and timely recovery from emergencies and disasters to reduce human suffering and property loss.

Functions and Responsibilities:
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: Plans, responds and when possible mitigates all types of potential crises on the local level. Prepares for natural hazards such as tornados, hurricanes, floods, and severe weather, as well as technological hazards such as hazardous material releases and incidents with SRS and Georgia Power. Responsible for coordinating efforts and the operation of the County’s Spill Response Team.

SAGE MILL FIRE SERVICE: Responsible for the operation of the County’s fire protection services at the Sage Mill Station. This division responds to calls for emergency assistance in accordance with established procedures, and maintains team standards of readiness.

HAZMAT: Responsible for handling hazardous material incidents such as chemical emergencies which range from diesel spills to toxic gases. Division consist of approximately 35 volunteers as well as staff members, who are dedicated to providing these services to the citizens of Aiken County. This division requires constant training, meetings and updates as relates to hazardous materials.

Local Emergency Planning Committee: Tasked with emergency planning in order to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies.

Emergency Preparedness Committee: Coordinate the meeting and tasks of said committee.

Emergency Operations Center(EOC): Operations center during crises. Tasked with the activation, training, drills and exercises, and maintenance of the facility.

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