KNOW YOUR TONES   Call 256-237-7703 or 1-800-672-9498 to learn more about the siren tones and tone alert radio sounds and messages of Etowah County.  If you live, work or play in Etowah County – or any of the five surrounding CSEPP counties – you can be prepared by knowing your tones.

	Mike Bryant, Director Denise Cooey, Deputy Director David Elliott, Assistant Planner Patrick Huselton, Public Information Officer Michael Amberson, Planner

The Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) exists for the purpose of providing direction and control to local governing bodies and emergency services in the coordination and management of actions taken during natural and man-made disasters and other actual or impending emergencies, whereby there exists a threat to life and/or property of the citizens of Gadsden and Etowah County. EMA serves the needs of the Gadsden/Etowah County community in times of crisis. The Agency is located in the basement of the Police Building, Gadsden City Hall, Gadsden, Alabama. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC), from which all governing officials and emergency services personnel operate during an emergency, is capable of functioning at full capacity for a continuous 14-day period of time through the use of emergency power. The major functions of EMA are to develop, coordinate and implement an emergency management program as required by federal and state laws. EMA directs mitigation, response, and recovery from all disasters. EMA also prepares, directs and coordinates basic disaster capabilities of each element of the various local governments in the county, and the ability of each agency to contribute human and material resources to limit damage effects, and to recover from emergencies and disasters of all types. Utilizing a blend of time-honored practices and state-of-the-art technology, EMA coordinates activities throughout the county. EMA is responsible for providing to the citizens of Gadsden and Etowah County the earliest advance warning possible in the event of a tornado, thunderstorm, flood or winter storm. Additionally, we direct action to obtain disaster relief funds when a natural or other type disaster occurs and is declared by local, state or federal authorities. EMA is responsible for carrying out educational programs for the public, schools, businesses, and industries. EMA representatives speak at schools, civic groups and other organizations regarding emergency preparedness and related topics. These services are provided free of charge. In addition, EMA coordinates with state and federal governments to assure the citizens of Etowah County that their interests and well-being are fully protected and accommodated before, during, and after disaster strikes.