The Emergency Management Profession

Emergency Management has evolved from localized, volunteer-led disaster response efforts to a structured profession focused on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The Federal Disaster Relief Act of 1950 marked the first major federal involvement, later leading to the creation of FEMA in 1979 to consolidate national disaster response efforts. Events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina (2005) emphasized the need for coordinated multi-agency response and resilience-building. Today, Emergency Management integrates technology, data analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration to protect communities from natural and human-made disasters, with professionals working across government, education, healthcare, and the private sector.

The current state of the profession encapsulates a range of philosophies, similar to fire and law enforcement agencies. These philosophies span from support models, to coordination models, to preparedness-focused models.

Cal Poly's DEM follows the all-hazards emergency management model, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. This model, widely adopted by local, tribal, and territorial agencies, is commonly depicted by the Emergency Management Continuum and is supported by FEMA’s national planning guidance, which emphasizes the importance of addressing all types of disasters — natural or human-caused — through a proactive and coordinated strategy. By aligning with these principles, DEM enhances campus resilience, ensuring a prepared and adaptive response to emergencies while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.

• Mitigation

  Guided by the National Mitigation Framework, this mission area/phase focuses on reducing disaster risks by identifying, understanding, and adapting to evolving threats in our environment. We do this by assessing risks and taking proactive steps to strengthen campus resilience.

  To accomplish this, DEM has identified 16 Mission Essential Functions — the critical services that must continue during disruptions. Using this foundation, DEM developed a local Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment and Business Impact Analysis (HVA/BIA) to identify potential threats and their impact on campus operations. These assessments help guide preparedness efforts, emergency response planning, infrastructure improvements, and resource allocation, ensuring the university stays ready, adaptable, and resilient.

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  Mission Essential Functions

  Mission Essential Function	Description	Sample Divisions or Units
  Academic Recruitment and Admissions	Manages the processes of attracting, evaluating, and enrolling new students to meet the university's enrollment goals.	Strategic Enrollment Management
  Agricultural Care & Facilities	Supports hands-on learning and research through the maintenance and operation of agricultural lands and facilities.	College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
  Classes (Academic Colleges)	Ensures the delivery of educational programs and courses across various disciplines.	Colleges International Programs Disability Resource Center
  Emergency Services	Ensures the safety and security of the campus community through preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.	Police Department Department of Emergency Management Environmental Health and Safety
  Facilities & Infrastructure	Maintains and operates the physical campus environment, including buildings, grounds, and utilities.	Facilities Management and Development Colleges University Housing
  Fiscal Services	Manages the university's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.	Fiscal Services Student Accounts Budget and Finance Office
  Food Services	Provides dining options and nutritional resources to the campus community.	Campus Dining Food Pantry
  Grants & Donations	Facilitates external funding through grants and philanthropic contributions to support university initiatives.	Grants Development Office University Development and Alumni Engagement
  Healthcare & Counseling	Offers medical and mental health services to promote the well-being of students.	Campus Health and Wellbeing
  Housing	Manages on-campus residential facilities and supports students living on campus.	University Housing
  IT Services & Communications	Provides technological infrastructure and support, as well as internal and external communications.	Information and Technology Services
  Leadership	Guides the strategic direction and administration of the university.	Cabinet Deans
  Payroll	Administers employee compensation, benefits, and related financial services.	Human Resources
  Procurement & Contracts	Oversees purchasing, vendor relations, and contract management to ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility.	Strategic Business Services
  Reputation Management	Maintains and enhances the university's public image and relationships with stakeholders.	University Communications and Marketing Government and Community Relations
  Research	Supports scholarly activities, research initiatives, and compliance with regulatory standards.	Office of Research and Economic Development

• Preparedness

  Guided by the National Preparedness Goal, this mission area/phase focuses on ensuring readiness before an emergency occurs by developing plans, training personnel, and building the capabilities needed for an effective response and recovery. Preparedness is a continuous process that strengthens the university’s ability to anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions.

  At the foundation of this effort is the Whole Community process - central to FEMA’s National Preparedness Goal; Whole Community planning acknowledges that preparedness is a shared responsibility among all members of society, and the engagement of a diversity of stakeholders will yield products that better reflect the actual needs, vulnerabilities, and strengths of the community.

  DEM applies Whole Community processes throughout thePrepare dness Cycle, using the POETE (Planning, Organizing, Equipping, Training, and Exercising) framework:

  • Planning: Developing and updating emergency plans, policies, and procedures in alignment with FEMA’s Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
  • Organizing: Establishing roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms across campus departments and external partners, following NIMS, SEMS, and ICS principles.
  • Equipping: Ensuring interoperable resources, technology, and infrastructure are in place to support emergency response efforts.
  • Training: Conducting standardized education and skill development programs for emergency personnel, faculty, staff, and students.
  • Exercising: Designing and conducting exercises utilizing Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodologies to test plans and improve capabilities.
• Response

  Guided by the National Response Framework, this mission area focuses on taking immediate action to protect life, property, and the environment during disasters. This includes issuing emergency notifications and managing information, and supporting field operations and coordinating resources to ensure an effective response.

  Supporting Field Operations

  The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves as Cal Poly’s coordination hub during emergencies. First responders manage on-the-ground operations, while the EOC provides strategic support by ensuring resources, information, and coordination sustain response efforts. The EOC:

  • Manages Strategic Coordination: Connecting campus leadership, emergency responders, and external agencies.
  • Allocates Resources and Logistics: Making sure the right personnel, equipment, and support are available.
  • Maintains Situational Awareness: Monitoring conditions, analyzing information, and providing updates.
  • Handles Public Information: Communicating accurate emergency messages to the campus and beyond.
  • Supports Long-Term Operations: Ensuring sustained response efforts and preparing for the transition to recovery.

  Key Response Capabilities

  Beyond managing information and public communication, the EOC plays a crucial role in:

  • Mass Notification: Sending emergency alerts and updates through the PolyAlert system.
  • Evacuation Warnings and Coordination: Issuing clear instructions for affected areas.
  • Mass Care & Shelter Coordination: Assissting displaced students, faculty, and staff.
  • Damage Assessments: Evaluating and documenting the impact of an incident.
  • Unconventional and Contingency Operations: Managing emergencies beyond fire and law enforcement, including unique or emerging threats.

  Action Planning Process

  A structured Incident Action Planning (IAP) process ensures that all response efforts are coordinated and aligned with clear objectives. The Planning P framework guides decision-making and operational planning for specific time spans.

  

  Phases

  Disasters typically evolve in phases, each requiring different levels of coordination:

  1. Initial Response: Immediate actions focused on safety, stabilization, and hazard control.
  2. Sustained Response: Ongoing management of the incident with structured planning and coordination.
  3. Operational Transition: Shifting from response to recovery, including damage assessment and demobilization of emergency resources.

  
  

  By following these structured processes, Cal Poly DEM ensures a well-coordinated, flexible, and effective response to any emergency, protecting the campus community while supporting field operations.

• Recovery

  Guided by the National Disaster Recovery Framework, this mission area/phase focuses on restoring the university after a disaster, or establishing a "new normal." Recovery is a phased process depicted as the Recovery Continuum, with short-, intermediate-, and long-term efforts to strategically restore university functions and improve future resilience.

  • Short-Term Recovery (Days): Immediate actions focus on mass care, sheltering, debris removal, and restoring critical services like public health and safety.
  • Intermediate Recovery (Weeks to Months): Efforts shift toward stabilizing housing, infrastructure, business operations, and community well-being.
  • Long-Term Recovery (Months to Years): Comprehensive rebuilding efforts ensure permanent infrastructure improvements, economic stability, and sustained public health support.