Harrison County is required/responsible to prepare for in the event of a natural, technological or man-made emergency or disaster that threatens life, property or the environment of the citizens of this county. The Mississippi Emergency Management Law of 1995 as codified at Title 33, Chapter 15 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated, confers emergency powers on the Governor, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and the executive heads of governing bodies of municipalities and counties of this state to meet that responsibility. The Harrison County Board of Supervisors is therefore required to appoint a County Emergency Manager to carry out these responsibilities in conjunction with local agencies and municipalities within the county.

In order to provide an effective response to emergency situations, the Federal, State, Local and Tribal governments must plan and prepare together. The concept and assignment of responsibilities outlined in this plan shall serve as the basis of the conduct of emergency operations by the Harrison County Office of Emergency Management. It shall be the responsibility of all local agencies and organizations to perform their functional tasks and to prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures. All responsible parties shall provide notice of revisions and improvements to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and support it throuhg training and exercises.

This plan is in accordance with existing Federal and State statutes, in coordination with the National Response Plan (NRP) and is National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant. It will be revised and updated at least biannually, or more frequently as warranted.