Overview

Every year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sends hundreds of people to respond to disasters around the world. The District also sends volunteers to support Overseas Contingency Operations. The Emergency Management Office supports these employees when they volunteer to deploy.  

In any disaster, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' top three priorities are:

1. Life saving and life sustaining operations through the use of critical commodities, temporary emergency power and other needs. 
2. Support immediate emergency response priorities.
3. Initiate recovery efforts by assessing and restoring critical infrastructure.

Flood Control & Coastal Emergencies

The Corps provides technical and direct assistance to communities to reduce risk to the public, property or the environment, with the emphasis on public safety under the Flood Control and Coastal Emergency Act, often called Public Law 84-99. The law gives the Corps the authority to provide a range of assistance - technical assistance, supplies and equipment, emergency contracting, strengthening flood control works, creating temporary levees, channel clearance, dam failure relief, levee rehabilitation and participation in an intergovernmental levee task force.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Operations:

The Philadelphia District Emergency Management Office takes continuous proactive steps to enhance the safety of our team members, stakeholders, and communities before, during, and after emergencies or natural disasters, including creating emergency plans, conducting preparedness exercises, practicing protective actions, and supporting response operations throughout the USACE enterprise.

Innovative Flood Fight Technology Products:

The Philadelphia District Emergency Management Office serves as the steward for Headquarters' Visibility Item program. The District is also designated as one of four host districts for the distribution of innovative flood fight technology products.