Readiness & Response Branch

Jim Dwertman, Branch Chief
(614) 799-3692
jwdwertman@dps.state.oh.us

Under the direction of the Operations Division, the Readiness and Response Branch is the newest addition to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency. Readiness and Response integrates preparedness and readiness activities across all levels of state governments to further synchronize response capabilities when the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated.

The State EOC is the central point of coordination within the state for response and recovery to disasters of all hazards. The Readiness and Response Branch will build on current EOC procedures and seek input from county EMA partners and liaisons to improve readiness efforts and create a more effective around-the-clock response.

The Readiness and Response branch chief also represents the Ohio EMA in the following:

• Agency representative for the Ohio Response System Oversight Committee
• Assist Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) in coordinating efforts to integrate into a viable emergency response system that meets local and state response priorities
• Ohio EMA liaison to the State of Ohio Strategic Analysis and Information Center SAIC), which will enable routine communication with emergency management stakeholders on situational awareness of threats

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