Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA)

While the likelihood of local terrorist activity is believed remote, all residents are reminded to be observant of activities around you. Report the unusual to authorities.

We should all insure that we have the basic necessities to be self-sufficient for a minimum of seventy-two hours. In the event of a local disaster, be it flood, tornado, blizzard, or terrorist created, we cannot reasonably expect relief efforts to be fully mobilized for at least this time.

Take the time to make available all, but not limited to, the following; flashlights and candles, dry matches, a battery powered radio, spare batteries for every device, potable water, foods not requiring refrigeration, medicines, first aid supplies, blankets and sleeping needs, and other personal requirements.

Make sure your family members agree upon a common location to meet if separated. Cell phones often become unreliable during these times and should not be counted upon for coordination or to summon help. Remember, the primary purpose for terrorism is to create fear. Let's not fall into the trap.

What is ESDA?

When the Department of Defense Office of Civilian Defense was abolished in 1975, many civil defense programs at the local level were abandoned. Many towns kept a civil defense unit of their own but it would be several years before the individual states assumed the responsibility for local civil preparedness in times of natural or manmade disaster, while the federal government only handled national programs and funding.

The Emergency Services and Disaster Agency or ESDA was formed under the Carter and Reagan administrations to provide local communities support during disasters or times of crisis. ESDA also was charged with the responsibility of local Nuclear Preparedness after the disbanding of Civil Defense. Most ESDA's are locally funded which work under direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through their state government.

Round Lake Beach Emergency Management Agency