Emergency Management and Homeland Security in Lincoln County is responsible for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery to emergencies and disasters throughout Lincoln County and its municipalities.  The division responds to many emergencies involving multi-agency or multi-jurisdictional response to coordinate resources and provide assistance with managing operations and resources.  EMA provides for planning and mitigation of "all" hazards which could potentially effect Lincoln County and its municipalities. Created in the Mid 1960’s, as Civil Defense, the division is required by law in order for communities to receive state and federal funds during a disaster. The functions of this division include emergency planning, hazard mitigation, disaster management, emergency warning, shelter management, search and rescue and grants for assistance.  Homeland Security (OHS) and EMA responsibilities go hand in hand.  Adding threats of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to other disasters makes Homeland Security a focus since 09/11.  Lincoln County has all branches of public safety working together to give Homeland Security the priority it deserves to maximize the safety of our citizens and those we serve.  The office is located in the Emergency Services complex at 170 School Street in Lincolnton and is also responsible for maintaining the county-wide Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a constant state of readiness should activation be declared by the Chief or Assistant Battalion Chief.  The year 2008 will be dedicated for training, strengthening our preparedness, and establishing a situation ready EOC.