Emergency Management - About Us

The Whitehall Township Emergency Management Agency's (WEMA) mission is to reduce loss of life and property in order to protect the environment from all-hazards (man-made and natural) and acts of terrorism, that occur within, or may effect, the Township of Whitehall. This will be accomplished through collaboration to build, sustain, and improve our capabilities to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards, by providing and coordinating resources, expertise, leadership, and advocacy through a comprehensive, all-hazards, risk-based emergency preparedness program.

When WEMA becomes involved in an incident, it is because the scope and scale of the incident necessitates assistance beyond local resources. During these events, officials from the Township and County (and possibly State and Federal) are also involved along with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), elements of the private sector.

Pennsylvania's Emergency Management Services Code (35 Pa. C. S. Section 7101-7707) became law in 1978 and replaced the State Council of Civil Defense Act of 1951. The 1978 Act consolidated existing state laws and updated the role of emergency management within the Commonwealth. Amendments to this Act in 1988 and 1989 further focused the role of emergency management personnel, organizations and responsibilities.

This state law requires that every county and municipal government develop and maintain an emergency management program consistent with the state and federal emergency management program.

An emergency management coordinator who is appointed by the Governor based upon the recommendation of the county or municipal elected officials administers each county and municipal program. The coordinator is an employee of the county or municipality and is responsible for implementing the program. The current Emergency Management Coordinator is Christopher Grim. He can be reached at 610-437-5524 ext 1121 or cgrim@whitehalltownship.com

Interested in Joining Us?

The Whitehall Township Emergency Management Agency (WEMA) is always seeking new volunteers to complement its staff and better serve the community. Even if you do not possess any emergency services training, we have a position for you!

Volunteers at HEMA come from all backgrounds and areas of expertise. While we all work together as a cohesive unit of Emergency Management; during non-emergency times we are artists, electricians, sales-persons, stylists, DJ’s, utility workers, and a multitude of other professions!

Some of the activities, other than emergency response, that volunteers can assist in are: planning, professional communications, shelter assistance, equipment and supply acquisition, maintenance, and HAM radio operations.

There is no cost for training and most of the classes are self-paced and available online though the Independent Study website of FEMA's Emergency Management Institute.
Visit www.fema.gov for more information.

If you are interested in joining WEMA, you may pick up an Volunteer Application in person at the Township Building or contact the Emergency Management Coordinator.