The City of Dearborn's Emergency Management office manages disaster preparedness and planning to improve community resilience. Its responsibilities include overseeing the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), offering community education, implementation of training and simulated exercises, along with activation of mass community alert systems.
The Dearborn Emergency Management Bureau functions on several principles including prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. These principles provide a proactive approach to high level emergencies and disasters.
Contact:
Jim Rodgers, Captain
Emergency Management Coordinator
Dearborn Fire Department
JRodgers@Dearborn.gov
313-943-5470
This page provides important information from FEMA on how best to prepare for disasters that will assist your family and the Dearborn community. Learning how to prepare for the disaster before it happens can reduce risk and provide another layer of safety.
Ensure your household knows what to do when it matters most. Download the City of Dearborn's emergency preparedness guide that can help you create an individualized plan that will increase your preparedness when disasters strike.
Consider building a basic emergency supply kit to help manage your household's needs during or after a hazardous incident. This kit should last at least 72 hours (3 days) and include unique considerations for your household, such as pets and seniors.
Connect with your friends and neighbors. Get to know their needs and exchange contact information and emergency plans. Working together in emergencies can strengthen a community's response and resilience after a disaster.
The Outdoor Early Warning Sirens are activated to notify the community of impending inclement weather such as severe thunderstorms with high winds and tornadoes. When you hear these sirens, please take the notification seriously and seek shelter immediately.
The sirens are also activated during a snow emergency. When snow accumulation exceeds 3 inches in a short amount of time, the sirens are activated requesting residents move their cars off the streets. Those without a driveway are encouraged to reference Dearborn's alternative parking list. This will allow the snow plows to work effectively and efficiently.
On the first Saturday of each month, at 1 p.m., the sirens are tested to ensure proper working order.
Emergency management resources are the people, tools, partnerships, and support systems that help a community prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. These resources strengthen public safety by ensuring the City of Dearborn has the capability to manage anything from severe weather and power outages to large-scale incidents and long-term recovery needs.
Effective emergency management relies on coordination across all levels—local, state, federal, private sector, and nonprofit partners. Each plays a unique role:
Federal Resources
National agencies like FEMA, NOAA, and the National Weather Service provide disaster assistance, hazard forecasts, and technical expertise. These resources help us monitor threats, access vital grants, and receive large-scale support when local capacity is overwhelmed.
State & Regional Resources
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division and regional partners coordinate statewide response, provide training, plan support, and deliver specialized resources that cities need during larger incidents.
Local & Community Resources
Local responders, public health agencies, hospitals, public works, and utility partners form the core of everyday emergency readiness. These groups provide immediate action, lifesaving services, and essential infrastructure repair during emergencies.
Non-Profit & Volunteer Organizations
Organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and National VOAD groups offer shelter, food, cleanup support, and community aid. Their assistance is critical during both short-term response and long-term recovery.
Private Sector & Infrastructure Partners
Businesses, utility providers, telecommunications companies, and critical infrastructure operators help maintain essential services—power, water, fuel, communication, and transportation—especially during major disruptions.
Important Links
Follow for updates, safety tips & more.