Homeland Security and Emergency Management
The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) plans and prepares for emergencies, educates the public about preparedness, develops volunteers, manages grant funding to improve homeland security and public safety capabilities, coordinates emergency response and recovery, supports planned events, and works with public and partner organizations to protect our whole community when it needs us the most.
About HSEM
Vision
A disaster-prepared and resilient community.
Mission
To serve as the coordinating focal point for preparedness, response, recovery, and education in any emergency or disaster that disrupts the community.
- HSEM Staff
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Executive Staff
Ken Snipes | Director
Aoife Longmore | Deputy Director
Stephanie Peden | Executive Assistant
Emergency Management Programs
Bill Wilson | Chief Emergency Plans Officer
Louis Gonzales | Chief Emergency Plans Officer
Donny Cummings | Senior Emergency Plans Officer
Robin Wiatrek | Senior Emergency Plans Officer
Community Preparedness Programs
Sara Henry | Public Information & Marketing Program Manager
David Alcorta | Community Engagement Specialist - Language Access
Nelson Andrade | Community Engagement Specialist
Billy Callis | Public Information Officer, Sr.
Christine Casebeer | Community Engagement Specialist
Matt Coleman | Marketing Rep B, Graphic Design
David Wiechmann | Public Information Officer, Sr.
Disaster Recovery and Mitigation
Vacant | Business & Special Programs Manager
Bing Chen | Program Manager
Cindy Hood | Contract Management Specialist
Logistics
Tanner Hunt | Chief Emergency Plans Officer Logistics
- National Emergency Management Accreditation
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In 2017, the national Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) has reconfirmed the City of Austin’s emergency management program is among the elite emergency management leaders, following a full accreditation granted by the EMAP Commission.
The Commission announced the accreditation after conducting a peer-reviewed assessment of the City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (Austin HSEM), which documented Austin HSEM’s compliance with 64 industry-recognized standards.
In 2012, the City of Austin was the first city in Texas to earn the voluntary five-year EMAP accreditation.
- Facilities and Operations
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Austin/Travis County Emergency Operations Center
The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management maintain the Austin/Travis County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
During area-wide emergencies, the EOC serves as the command center for the City of Austin and Travis County response and recovery operations.
A variety of communications tools and backup systems are installed in the EOC to aid in the receipt and release of vital information.
The EOC brings together City departments and regional partners to coordinate the flow of information and strategy development. A variety of organizations and government agencies send representatives during an EOC activation, depending on the type and severity of emergency.
Incident Command System
HSEM staff are trained in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Incident Command System. The Incident Command System (ICS), is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management approach. It allows for the integration of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure, enables a coordinated response among various jurisdictions and functional agencies, both public and private, and establishes common processes for planning and managing resources.
Read more about the Incident Command System on FEMA’s website.
- Community Grants
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FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides funding support for facility hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack.
