The Office of Emergency Services (OES) provides an all-hazards approach to emergency management and homeland security services for Hays County. In preparation for any emergency or disaster, OES provides leadership, vision, direction, and subject matter expertise in the field of emergency management and homeland security to heighten the County’s readiness in response and recovery. The major areas of focus include emergency management, homeland security planning, policy, grant administration, countywide emergency training and exercise program, public preparedness, and education. The OES Geospatial Information Services (GIS) branch is responsible for maintaining and updating geospatial data as it pertains to emergency services and management. This division assists as needed, updates, and performs maintenance for the Hays County Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. In addition to geospatial data, this division coordinates and monitors the Hays County Flood Warning System, which includes but is not limited to low water crossings, DAMs, and advanced notification flashers. The Hays County Fire Marshal Division is responsible for Fire Code Compliance and Enforcement; Fire Prevention and Inspections; and Fire/Arson Investigations. OES Special Operations (SO) Branch coordinates Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD), and Regional Hazardous Material deployments. Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Branch develops and maintains School Safety exercise and response programs for all Independent School Districts in Hays County. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) assists First Responders with on-scene rehab, traffic management, public outreach, disaster assessment, sheltering, and community education.

Hays County OES is committed to preparing, responding, and recovering from disasters, including mitigating and preventing threats posed to Hays County. These threats include natural, man-made (including terrorism), and technological disasters. OES coordinates emergency management and homeland security activities with all Hays County agencies, the Capitol Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), private organizations, faith-based organizations, volunteer organizations, and other local, state, and federal agencies.

 

In the event of a major emergency or disaster affecting Hays County, the Office of Emergency Services will activate and manage the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC becomes the command and coordination point for all County emergency management activities. Furthermore, County OES serves as the coordination point for federal disaster assistance, county recovery efforts, and prevention/mitigation programs to reduce the effects of future disasters. OES serves as the liaison to regional, state, federal, volunteer, faith-based, and private partners in emergency and disaster events. These partnerships are enhanced through mutual aid agreements, memorandum of understandings, and inter-local agreements.

OES develops and maintains the County’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and directs emergency management planning for the unincorporated areas of Hays County as well as the cities of Buda, Dripping Springs, City of Hays, Kyle, Mountain City, Niederwald, Uhland, Village of Bear Creek, Wimberley, and Woodcreek. The CEMP guides strategic organizational behavior and serves as the foundational guide for all emergency-related events, and prepares County staff and partner agencies to carry out their roles in the County CEMP.