Disasters are critical events that overwhelm normal day-to-day resources. For most communities a tornado strike, flash flood or major ice storm can be a disaster. In Olathe, we use the term "Emergency Preparedness" to describe control activities for both emergency and disaster events.

The City of Olathe's Office of Emergency Management, managed by the Fire Department, helps business, industry, schools, other private and public entities, other City departments and citizens prepare for emergencies and disasters. Our focus is on emergency management coordination. Activities include, but are not limited to, the following: assessing hazards in the community, maintaining a City Emergency Operations Plan, providing surveys for business and industry, guiding in the preparation of other emergency and disaster plans, training for emergencies and disasters, public education activities and providing assistance on hazardous materials response and compliance.

Emergency Management has a four-fold purpose. 

1. Help mitigate or lessen the effects of emergencies or disasters

2. Prepare the community for natural and technological events (Safe Neighborhood and Business Preparedness)

* Prepare your family's emergency plan - Make a plan, Be informed, Get involved. 

* Learn about NOAA all-hazards weather radio and Project Community Alert.

3. Ensure the appropriate and adequate response to a disaster (Community Emergency Response Teams)

4. Facilitate the timely recovery from a disaster for all elements of the community.

Learn more about Homeland Security initiatives in Olathe and the Regional Terrorism Early Warning Center.

Contact Captain John Sanches with emergency management questions or to sign up for Community Emergency Response Team training.

• H1N1 (swine flu) links.
• Olathe's special needs preparedness registry.
• Be aware. Be prepared. Get involved.  
• Learn more about severe weather or get current weather information.
• Prepare the whole family with Grover's help.