EMA director presents year-end report; commissioners agree to explore countywide notification app and update COOP plans

Adams County’s Emergency Management Agency presented its 2024 year-end report and told commissioners it will pursue a countywide notification app and department-level Continuity of Operations (COOP) and cybersecurity plans in 2025.

EMA staff reviewed service metrics and progress on a garage and transport facility project and said a multi-hazard mitigation plan is required every five years to preserve FEMA grant eligibility. EMA proposed exploring a single county-owned notification app that would allow multiple departments to post targeted notices to residents and staff; the director said other municipalities use the same vendor for consolidated department messaging. Commissioners asked to see a vendor demonstration after committees and schedules stabilize in January.

EMA staff said their 2025 priorities include ensuring each county department updates COOP plans and integrates a suitable cybersecurity plan, then assembling a county-level COG (continuity of government) for commissioner approval. The agency estimated the COOP/COG effort could take up to a year and noted coordination with IT staff will be needed.

Separately, the county’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) voted at its Dec. 11 meeting to recommend reappointment of Barb Glai(erben) as EMA director for 2025 and submitted that recommendation to the commissioners for their January appointments; commissioners recorded the recommendation for the record at the meeting.

EMA said it will arrange a vendor demonstration of the notification platform for commissioners in late January and will begin COOP work with departments after the first of the year.