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New DEMA director outlines emergency upgrades, warming-center criteria and FIFA preparations

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, IRPS Committee (Employee Relations & Public Safety) · December 16, 2025

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Summary

Dr. CJ Avery, DeKalb's new emergency-management director, told commissioners the agency will prioritize staffing, WebEOC modernization and intergovernmental coordination; she described warming-center activation triggers and early preparations for FIFA next summer.

DeKalb's newly installed emergency-management director, Dr. CJ Avery, briefed the IRPS committee on agency priorities, staffing constraints and operational tools the county is using to coordinate during weather events and larger incidents.

"WebEOC is an internet-based program," Dr. Avery said, describing the platform the county uses to share real-time incident data with municipalities and county departments. She told commissioners the agency's core functions encompass mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and highlighted three constraints: limited staffing, aging systems and grant-dependent funding that complicates long-term planning.

Dr. Avery said DEMA has set explicit criteria for activating warming centers during a cold snap (she cited wind-chill thresholds and temperature guidance) and that the agency runs frequent briefings during activations. She said DEMA is hiring two emergency-management specialists (bringing the staff to six specialists once hired) and plans to present prioritized modernization proposals beginning Jan. 1.

Looking ahead to FIFA next summer, Dr. Avery said DEMA will participate in multi-agency planning tables and be "all hands on deck" for days when matches and crowds may affect DeKalb, while largely supporting Atlanta's lead role. Commissioners asked about translation and outreach; Dr. Avery said the agency maintains materials in multiple languages and plans community distribution once staffing is full.

Next steps: DEMA will return with staffing updates and formal proposals for technology and space as part of the agency's strategic priorities in early 2026.