The Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security vigorously pursues an all-hazards planning strategy in the traditional four phases of emergency management: preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery for a jurisdiction of over 180,000 residents. Our philosophy is that such planning efforts are dynamic and constantly changing. Our task is to constantly review, assess, update, and test the county’s disaster preparedness plans with the ultimate goal being the protection of the lives and property of our citizens and visitors.  

Benton County Department of Emergency Management urges all county residents to prepare for severe weather by reviewing Family Emergency Plans and severe weather preparedness information, developing a home disaster supplies kit and a creating a Family Emergency Communications Plan.