EMAO Conference Basket Raffle
The EMAO Education Committee is excited to introduce a new fundraiser at this year's EMAO Conference—the EMAO Conference Basket Raffle!
We're inviting counties, sectors, agencies, organizations, and individual members to create and donate a raffle basket. Whether it's a simple basket featuring local favorites or a larger themed basket, participate at a level that works for you.
All proceeds will support future EMAO education and conference opportunities.
If you plan to donate a basket, please pre-register it by November 25, 2026, using the link below:
Please see the attached flyer for basket ideas, registration information, drop-off details, raffle information, and drawing details.
Thank you for supporting EMAO education and helping make this a fun addition to the conference. We look forward to seeing your creativity!
Ohio County Emergency Management Capacity Assessment and New Policy Subcommittee
Over the past several months, EMAO conducted a statewide assessment of county emergency management capacity to better understand the strengths, challenges, and future needs of Ohio's emergency management system.
The resulting Ohio County Emergency Management Capacity Assessment provides valuable insight into staffing levels, funding sources, preparedness capabilities, planning efforts, training programs, communications systems, and overall county emergency management capacity. The report also highlights increasing community vulnerabilities, growing disaster frequency and costs, and the potential impact of shifting federal priorities on state and local emergency management programs.
While the assessment demonstrates the tremendous work being performed by county emergency management agencies across Ohio, it also identifies several areas where additional policy development, funding support, and statewide coordination may be needed to ensure Ohio remains prepared for future challenges.
As a result of this work, the EMAO Executive Committee is establishing a Policy Subcommittee to assist the association in evaluating legislative and regulatory issues, reviewing emerging policy concerns, and developing recommendations that support strong local emergency management programs across Ohio.
The Policy Subcommittee will focus on issues such as:
- State and federal emergency management funding
- County emergency management program standards and best practices
- Workforce development and retention
- Resource typing, mutual aid, and specialty response capabilities
- Hazard mitigation and community resilience
- Emerging threats and statewide preparedness initiatives
We are seeking members who have an interest in public policy, legislative affairs, emergency management program development, or strategic planning to participate in this effort. The subcommittee will serve as a resource to the EMAO Board and membership by helping identify issues, develop recommendations, and provide information on matters affecting emergency management in Ohio.
The attached report is intended to serve as the foundation for these discussions and future advocacy efforts.
Members interested in serving on the Policy Subcommittee are encouraged to submit their name and a brief statement of interest to EMAO no later than Tuesday, July 7th to michelle@fitzgibbongroup.com
Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening emergency management and building resilient communities throughout Ohio.
Ohio County Emergency Management Capacity Assessment
New Members-Only Resource Center
EMAO is excited to announce a new Members-Only Resource Center on the EMAO website designed to encourage collaboration and information sharing among Ohio's emergency management professionals.
Members can submit questions, share best practices, and contribute valuable resources such as plans, templates, policies, training materials, and other documents that may benefit fellow members.
By sharing knowledge and resources, we can strengthen emergency management capabilities across Ohio and support one another in addressing common challenges.
Have a document or resource to share? Please send materials to michelle@fitzgibbongroup.com for consideration and inclusion in the Members-Only Resource Center.
2026 EMAO Fall Conference Registration
** Note that lunch is included on Tuesday, September 29th.
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