The Yazoo County Emergency Management Office

The Yazoo County Emergency Management is a multi-functional agency whose primary duty is to prepare, respond and recover from several types of natural, man-made and technological disasters that may occur in Yazoo County. These disasters include severe weather emergencies such as large thunderstorms, tornadoes, floods, large fires and hazardous materials incidents.

Leadership

Director

Jack Willingham

yazoocoema@yazoocountyms.gov

Administrative Assistant

Kristen Andrews

kandrews@yazoocountyms.gov

Deputy Director

Durward Pettis

Report storm damage here

Duties And Responsibilities

The Yazoo County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents before, during, and after disasters. It develops comprehensive disaster preparedness plans for various scenarios, including natural and man-made emergencies, and coordinates response efforts with local fire departments, law enforcement, public health agencies, and other first responders. The EMA also plays a key role in keeping the public informed through alerts and updates during emergencies. It conducts regular training and disaster exercises to maintain readiness, and assists with recovery efforts, managing resources, and securing financial aid for victims. Additionally, the agency focuses on long-term mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of future disasters, such as advocating for infrastructure improvements and public education on preparedness. Collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies ensures a unified and efficient disaster response. Overall, the Yazoo County EMA’s mission is to ensure the community is prepared, responds effectively to disasters, and recovers as quickly as possible.