About Boulder OEM

The Boulder Office of Emergency Management(OEM) plans, coordinates and supports a wide-range of activities that help prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and large-scale emergencies, while also reducing vulnerabilities to hazards.

WHAT IS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT?

Emergency Management is the function that plans, coordinates and supports a wide range of activities that help communities to reduce vulnerability to hazards, prepare for and cope with disasters. This work is generally thought of in four phases: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Mitigation consists of those activities designed to prevent or reduce losses from disaster. Preparedness is focused on the development of plans and capabilities for effective disaster response. Response is the immediate reaction to a disaster. Recovery includes activities that help to restore critical community functions and manage reconstruction.

Boulder OEM has emergency management responsibilities for both the City of Boulder and Boulder County. In addition, Boulder OEM coordinates with state and federal partners, many city and county departments, public safety agencies, municipalities, non-governmental organizations and private businesses throughout Boulder County in order to facilitate coordinated planning and response to emergency situations.