The Emergency Management Program for the City of Dover encompasses a wide variety of services for the citizens. Such services include response to natural disasters including winter storms, flooding, hurricanes and severe thunderstorms. Manmade disasters requiring emergency response include terrorism, wildfires, utility disruptions and hazardous material leaks and spills. In order to provide public education and minimize the effect of these disasters, while at the same time provide rapid response to these situations, effective management and administration of the program must be achieved.
In assuming the responsibility of Emergency Management from the former Civil Defense Agency, the Chief of the Dover Fire & Rescue Service serves as the city’s Emergency Management Director. The wearing of two hats has served the citizens and visitors of Dover well. By incorporating resources from the fire service and other city agencies, the Emergency Management Director manages the city’s emergency preparedness and mitigation in a synergistic manner. Every disaster scenario is unique in its effect and impact on the community. However, the common thread, which binds together all disaster response priorities, is the need to manage and administer the resources available to effectively mitigate the disaster. As such, emergency plans have been developed to mitigate a wide variety of natural and man-made disasters. Local, state and federal agencies have worked hand-in-hand to train and exercise these plans. Periodically each plan is reviewed for relevance and workability.
While the City has worked to prepare for disasters, the City encourages all citizens to individually plan and prepare for unexpected disasters or emergencies. Citizens need to have their own family emergency plan and disaster supply kit in the event of an emergency or disaster. Information on developing a family plan and contents of a disaster supply kit can be found at: