Acting under the Health and Safety (Title 35) Code “Emergency Management Services”, each political subdivision of the Commonwealth is directed and authorized to establish a local emergency management organization in accordance with the plan and program of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

There are 52 political subdivisions (municipalities) in the County of Lycoming.  They consist of 42 Townships, 9 Boroughs and 1 City.

A local disaster emergency may be declared by the governing body of a political subdivision upon finding a disaster has occurred or is imminent. 

Each local organization of emergency management shall have a coordinator who shall be responsible for the planning, administration and operation of the local organization subject to the direction and control of the executive officer or governing body.

At the local level, the coordinator shall be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the executive officer or government body of the political subdivision. 

Each political subdivision shall prepare, maintain and keep current a disaster emergency management plan for the prevention and minimization of injury and damage caused by disaster, prompt and effective response to disaster and disaster emergency relief and recovery in consonance with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Plan.

Each subdivision shall also establish, equip and staff an emergency operation center; provide individual and organizational training programs to insure prompt, efficient and effective disaster emergency services; organize, and prepare and coordinate all locally available manpower, materials supplies, equipment, facilities and services necessary for disaster emergency readiness, response and recovery.

Direction of disaster emergency management services is the responsibility of the lowest level of government affected.  When all appropriate locally available forces and resources are fully committed by the affected political subdivision, assistance from a higher level of government shall be provided.