Since 2001, it has been the policy of the Capitol Region/DEMHS Region 3 to invest in the region’s capacity to work together to plan for, respond to, and recover from natural and man-made emergencies. The current “Get Ready Capitol Region” citizen preparedness initiative is one of these investments. To the extent that citizens are prepared to take care of themselves and help their neighbors in an emergency, our communities will be able to use their resources and first responders more effectively.

In addition to this campaign, CRCOG has used federal grant funding, augmented by significant in-kind donations of time and talent by stakeholders and subject matter experts, to put the following in place:

• Regular CREPC meetings of stakeholders across all disciplines to improve communication and coordination.

• A Regional Emergency Support Plan (RESP) and additional plans specific to individual emergency support functions.

• A training and exercise coordinator and a focused training and exercise program for first responders.

• Trained and equipped specialized regional teams, including:
  • Bomb Squad
  • Dive Team
  • Regional Incident Management Team
  • Search and Rescue Team
  • Regional Incident Dispatch Team
  • 8 Tactical Teams (SWAT)
  • Medical Reserve Corps

• Regional facilities and equipment, including:
  • A Regional Coordination Center, which is activated as needed to assist municipalities in the event of a regional emergency
  • Mobile communications vehicles
  • Communications systems
  • Shelter equipment and supplies

More Information

• Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG)
• Capitol Region Emergency Planning Committee (CREPC)