About OEM

Sometimes called “professional paranoids,” the staff of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is constantly looking for ways to improve the safety of the community and lessen the negative impacts of a disaster to our citizens. 

Analyzing Threats Facing the Community 

Our job is to analyze the threats facing the community and to work with other City departments and partner agencies to plan for the best way to respond to those threats. We develop comprehensive disaster response plans; seek out grant funding opportunities to purchase specialized emergency response equipment; conduct public education and outreach to train citizens on personal emergency preparedness, and maintain the City of Garland Emergency Operations Center.

Primary Focus

Our name can be a little misleading. Our office is primarily focused on disasters, not emergencies, and we plan for when the event exceeds the abilities of traditional emergency response. Remember, if you have an emergency, you should still call 911.

Resourceful Information

Our website is filled with information related to the types of threats we face in Garland and steps you can take to help prepare your family in case of a disaster. As you read through it, if you have specific questions or would like a member of our staff to come out and speak to your organization, please contact us. We are glad to assist you.

Our Mission Statement

The Office of Emergency Management’s mission is to preserve, maintain, or otherwise reconstitute the city government’s ability to carry out executive, legislative, and judicial processes when threatened by or following a major emergency or disaster. The department plays a primary role in identifying and mitigating hazards and prepares for, responds to, and manages the recovery from emergency situations that affect our community.

Current Safety

Knowing what to expect and the steps to take in an emergency is the key to protecting yourself and your family. Disasters can happen anytime and anyplace. When a disaster strikes you may have only a short time to respond or prepare for the consequences.

An accidental release of a hazardous chemical could mean a need for sheltering-in-place or an immediate evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family to your home. A flood or tornado could cut off basic services in the community; things like gas, water, and electricity for days. The effects of a disaster can be sudden and devastating.

Preparation for Disasters

Preparation for disasters reduces the impacts of a disaster. Every household’s emergency preparations should include an emergency plan. This website provides a format and suggestions for information and procedures to include in a household-specific plan. The following link will provide plan guidance and should be modified to meet household-specific needs. Discover more information about drafting your family’s emergency plan.