The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is nationally recognized for its all-hazards approach to emergency preparedness and response.  As director of HCOHSEM, County Judge Ed Emmett collaborates with law enforcement, emergency managers, and medical personnel throughout the region to coordinate response efforts when disaster strikes.

The mission of the HCOHSEM is to help prepare, safeguard and protect the residents and property of Harris County from the effects of disasters through effective planning, preparation, response and recovery activities.

In 2010, HCOHSEM revised the county’s All Hazard Mitigation Plan, which outlines how the county will respond to an incident.  It also developed a Business Commodities Plan designed to identify the extent of a disaster and expedite reports so communities can receive the necessary assistance.
HCOHSEM hosted six training exercises with local, state and federal agencies, and participated in an additional 15 partner exercises in 2010, while promoting year- round disaster preparedness through a vigorous public education and outreach program.