Emergency management is an important field that requires a unique blend of technical, managerial and interpersonal skills. For those pursuing an emergency management career — especially related roles in the federal government — a strong background in emergency management principles and practices is essential.
Millersville University’s online Master of Science (M.S.) in Emergency Management program offers courses like Principles and Practices of Emergency Management. This course covers the foundations of emergency management, including:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment: Understanding the potential threats and vulnerabilities that could impact a community or organization
- Emergency planning and response: Developing comprehensive plans to mitigate risks, respond effectively to emergencies and recover from disasters
- Crisis communication: Effectively communicating with the public, affected parties and internal teams during a crisis
- Disaster recovery and mitigation: Implementing strategies to minimize the effects of future disasters and speed up recovery efforts
Federal Training Opportunities: A Pathway to Leadership
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a wide range of training programs designed to develop emergency management leaders. Some key programs include:
- Emergency Management Institute (EMI): The EMI provides free online courses for people working in emergency management and the general public.
- National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA): NEMBA is a foundational program for aspiring emergency managers. Like similar fire service and law enforcement programs, NEMBA offers essential training in emergency management principles and practices.
- Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP): The EMPP offers structured learning that provides emergency managers with the skills to advance their careers and address the complexities of emergency management.
Daily Responsibilities and Key Traits of Emergency Managers
Emergency managers play an important role in safeguarding lives and property. Their daily responsibilities often include:
- Planning and preparedness: Developing and updating emergency plans, conducting drills and coordinating with other agencies
- Response and recovery: Activating emergency response plans, coordinating with first responders and managing recovery efforts
- Public information and warning: Disseminating timely and accurate information to the public
- Resource management: Allocating and managing resources effectively
- Policy development: Creating and carrying out policies and procedures related to emergency management
To succeed in this field, emergency managers must have a unique combination of skills and traits, including:
- Leadership: The ability to lead and motivate teams during high-pressure situations
- Decision-making: The ability to think and act quickly in crisis situations
- Problem-solving: Compelling problem-solving skills
- Resilience: The capacity to bounce back from challenges and setbacks
- Adaptability: The ability to respond effectively to unexpected changes and challenges
- Technical expertise: Knowledge of emergency management principles, technologies and regulations
- Interpersonal and communication skills: The ability to form positive relationships and work effectively with others
- Ethical conduct: Adherence to ethical practices and standards
Key Elements of Crisis Management Training
Effective crisis management training provides professionals with the tools to navigate challenging and stressful situations. Key elements of crisis management training include four important areas:
- Preparation and planning: This includes identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, making emergency plans, developing plans for various crisis scenarios, and completing regular training and practice.
- Communication and coordination: This involves establishing effective communication channels and working with other agencies.
- Resource management: Resource management includes allocating resources effectively during a crisis and ensuring the availability of necessary resources.
- Technology and data security: During times of crisis, it’s vital to protect sensitive information and infrastructure and know how to restore data in case of system failures.
By gaining a strong foundation in emergency management practices and taking part in advanced training opportunities through Millersville University’s online M.S. in Emergency Management program, professionals can have a fulfilling career in emergency management, especially on the federal level.
Learn more about Millersville University’s online Master of Science in Emergency Management program.
