Relationships matter. They shape how we work together, solve problems, and support one another, especially during challenging times. One relationship that needs special attention is the one with your local emergency manager. Their work comes with a lot of responsibility and strengthening that relationship before a crisis is essential.
List of Nebraska County Emergency Management Directors: https://nema.nebraska.gov/em-directors.php
Build Relationships During “Blue Skies”
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The best time to reach out to your emergency manager is when the weather is calm and everyone has a little room to breathe. Stop by their office just to say hello and introduce yourself if you haven’t had a chance to already. Invite them for coffee. Share an upcoming program or simply check in. Invite your emergency manager to review your office emergency plans. Consider asking them to speak at a producer meeting or ask if they would be willing to judge disaster kits at your county fair. You get the idea. These small, genuine interactions help build trust long before a crisis ever happens.
During a disaster it is not the time to introduce yourself to the emergency manager. They are focused on saving lives and protecting property. This is why making these connections during blue sky days matters so much.
Talk About What They Are Seeing
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When you meet, ask what hazards or concerns are on their radar. Emergency managers keep close track of community needs year round, and hearing their perspective helps you understand where Extension may be able to support their efforts. In return, share what your office can provide, whether that is outreach, education, communication, or connections to local partners. Sometimes they simply do not know how Extension can help until you have this conversation.
Check the Local Emergency Operations Plan
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Lead educators may want to find out whether Extension is listed in the local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP). If Extension is listed, does that role still align with what your office can provide. If Extension isn’t listed, consider how we can contribute.
Build Your Own Understanding
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Taking this kind of initiative also shows your emergency manager that you care about doing your part and that you are willing to understand the system they work in every day. If you have not taken the FEMA IS-100 course yet, please give it a look. It provides a simple introduction to the basic language and structure of emergency management. When you understand that shared language, conversations become easier, trust grows, and it becomes clearer how Extension can fit into their planning and response work. This short course is free and can be completed at your convenience.
Here is the course link:
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c
(Note: During Government shutdowns, the FEMA website may be unavailable during this period.)
Together, we can help our communities stay Nebraska Ready and protect what matters most to the people we serve.