Homeland Security

The ETCOG Homeland Security (HLS) staff are here to assist the region's jurisdictions in emergency management planning, hazard mitigation planning and administration of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant funding. We provide assistance and support to local counties, city governments and first responders while formulating a regional strategy to address a disaster or major incident whether it is a natural act or manmade.

The purpose of the HLS program is to:

Enhance the region's interoperability communications capability;
Help plan and coordinate HLS efforts synchronizing efforts and resources of multiple municipal, county and special jurisdictions/districts;
Identify equipment, training and exercises needs in the region;
Provide support to local jurisdictions in the development of emergency management and hazard mitigation plans;
Provide assistance to local jurisdictions ensuring adoption, maintenance and training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS);
Assist agencies in activities related to emergency preparedness;
Help facilitate response during a disaster or major event;
Assist in generating and coordinating mutual aid agreements; and
Advise agencies of future funding opportunities.

HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE (HSAC):

The HSAC is appointed by the ETCOG Executive Committee. The HSAC is comprised of local Emergency Management Professionals and first responders from across the 14-county ETCOG region. The HSAC provides guidance to ETCOG HLS staff on projects related to HLS in the region, implements and develops regional HLS strategies, updates the Regional Interoperability Communications Plan (RICP) and makes recommendations as to how the region's annual allocations of HLS grant funding should be used.

Homeland Security Advisory Committee Members

Homeland Security Advisory Committee Bylaws

East Texas Multi-Agency Coordination Group

LINKS:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

State Administrative Agency Information Bulletins

Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015

FEMA's Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Program