OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (OEM)

There are four programs that fall under the direction of the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management.

The overarching objective of this group of programs is to provide strong and effective all-hazards emergency PREVENTION, PROTECTION, MITIGATION, RESPONSE, and RECOVERY strategies for Mercer County and those who live and work here.

The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management is housed within the Mercer County Health Department.
Regular business hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM - EMA

Funding: The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) administers the EMA Grant Program.  Funding made available by the Department of Homeland Securty (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).


Responsibilities include:

  • Maintenance of the Mercer County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)

  • Planning and coordination of an emergency training and exercise plan

  • Assessment and reporting of county threats, hazards, risks, and capabilities

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANT PROGRAM - PHEP

Funding: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) administers the PHEP Grant Program.  Funding made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Responsibilites include:

  • ​Pandemic and Strategic National Stockpile Planning

  • Hosting the Mercer County Medical Reserve Corps

  • Development of a Public Health emergency training and exercise program

  • Assessment of Public Health Capabilities and countywide hazards and risks

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANT PROGRAM - HMEP

The primary objective of the HMEP Planning Grants Program is to develop, improve, and carry out the hazardous chemical transportation emergency plans under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) 49 USC 5116a.

Activities include:

  • Maintaining a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) that develops, improves, and implements the local hazardous materials transportation emergency plans

The Mercer County Chemical Emergency Response Plan is housed within the Office of Emergency Management at 305 NW 7th Street, Aledo, IL 61231 and may ​be viewed by request during regular business hours.

MERCER COUNTY MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS - MRC

Mercer County MRC is funded as part of the PHEP program and is comprised of medical and non-medical volunteers. Volunteer activites include participation in:

  • Emergency trainings and exercises

  • Local Emergency Planning Committee

  • Serving as part of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Spiritual Care Team or Shelter Operations Team

  • Assisting during real events (most recently MRC Volunteers helped with COVID-19 testings and vaccination efforts)