In order to understand terms used in times of disaster, please see the following. If you have questions please call the Emergency Management office on (248) 796-5990.
DISASTER:
A natural, man-made or technological event that overwhelms local first responders and where you may need to help yourself at the onset.
EMERGENCY:
An event that you or first responders can handle to its logical conclusion, e.g. minor injuries, house fires, criminal issues. Call 911 for help.
FIRST RESPONDERS:
Police Department (PD), Fire Department (FD) and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel who can help you. Governmental agencies such as the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) can be first responders also.
THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS):
Federal agency designated to plan and prepare our nation for all phases of disaster actions.
THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA):
Agency in the Department of Homeland Security mandated to respond to disasters.
PUBLIC RELIEF AGENCIES:
All governmental agencies who are mandated to respond to assist the public.
PRIVATE RELIEF AGENCIES:
Agencies, other than governmental, who’s mission it is to aid in disasters such as The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and faith-based organizations.
SOUTHFIELD EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION (SEMD):
Local agency mandated to plan and prepare for disasters in the City of Southfield serving the residents' needs directly.
OAKLAND COUNTY HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION (OCHSD):
Agency responsible for planning and preparing for disasters at the county level.
THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE / EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION (MSP-EMHSD):
Agency responsible for disaster planning and preparing statewide.
SHELTER:
Most appropriate internal area to immediately get out of harms way.
EVACUATION:
Plan to leave the immediate area and seek a safe environment.
JURISDICTION:
Geographic area an individual or organization is responsible for, e.g., your home is your jurisdiction.
