Committee News
Jason Stawski, PE
Chair, Emergency Management Committee
Public works professionals continue to serve on the front lines of emergency response and recovery activities. From severe weather and wildfires to infrastructure failures and public safety incidents, the role of public works as first responders remains critical. As these challenges grow in frequency and complexity, the Emergency Management Committee is focused on strengthening preparedness, resilience, and workforce readiness across our profession.
Emergency management is part of our daily operations, our long-term planning, and our culture. The committee’s work emphasizes preparing our people through practical resources, training, and collaboration. Over the past year, the committee has expanded our library of emergency preparedness checklists, with new resources in development focused on drought response, site security, debris management, and tabletop exercises for a variety of hazards. These tools are designed to support decision-making before, during, and after emergencies.
Education and coordination remain critical to the committee’s mission. We’re looking to expand training opportunities through existing and future collaborative efforts online and in-person. These efforts help ensure public works professionals are equipped to operate effectively in high-pressure environments.
The committee is also promoting a first responder mindset within public works, one that emphasizes situational awareness, clear communication, calm decision-making, and a shared commitment to protecting life, health, and safety. Building this mindset strengthens emergency response capabilities and overall organizational resilience.
The committee values collaboration and feedback from APWA members. Our diverse experiences allow us to learn from one another and continuously improve the resources we provide. If you are passionate about emergency preparedness and want to contribute to this work, we invite you to get involved. For more information, please contact EMC@apwa.org.
Live Programs
June 10: Building Resilient Communities: How Mutual Aid Supports Emergency Operations
Mutual aid networks are a cornerstone of effective emergency management for public works agencies, enabling communities to respond more efficiently and recover more quickly from disasters. Our presenters will examine three established public works mutual aid models: CoWARN, IPWMAN, and the Massachusetts Highway Association. This live virtual program will provide a comparative overview of how each network is structured, activated, and used during emergencies.
New Resources
The Movement to Recognize Public Works Professionals as First Responders
In this edition of Public Works Radio, the official podcast of APWA, we’re exploring the stories of why public workers are first responders and addressing the efforts it will require to ensure more formal recognition of public works professionals designated as first responders.
Public Works Professionals Are First Responders
Public works professionals play an essential role in emergency response and recovery alongside law enforcement, fire, and EMS partners. The information in this document provides information on what you can do to increase recognition of public works as first responders.
A Hands-On Guide to Emergency Management for Public Works Agencies
This is a step-by-step guide for public works professionals navigating today’s complex emergency management landscape.
Fleet’s Critical Role in Emergency Response and Recovery
This program will equip fleet professionals with critical knowledge needed to effectively support emergency operations during a wide range of disaster scenarios, including floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and ice storms.
Natural Hazard Resources
Natural Hazard Checklists
These checklists, created by the committee, are designed to help public works agencies prepare for, respond to, and recover from a variety of natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes, and wildfires. These fillable PDFs are invaluable tools for agencies seeking to enhance their emergency preparedness efforts. There is also a checklist on civil unrest.
Videos
Lessons Learned Webinar Series
Lessons as First Responders: Responding to Extreme Winter Conditions in Texas
The winter conditions in Texas in 2021 were more extreme than any in recent memory. Public works professionals share how they communicated with elected officials and the public during the emergency. Emergency preparation, response, and recovery plans, as well as lessons learned as first responders are discussed.
Lessons as First Responders: Responding to the 2024 Hurricanes
Hurricanes don’t just bring high winds, they bring devastating flooding, infrastructure damage, and long-term recovery challenges. Public works professionals share firsthand experiences and critical lessons learned from the hurricanes that impacted the East Coast in Fall 2024.
Trending Resources
APWA Guide: Planning for Emergency Management Operations
APWA’s Emergency Management Committee developed this document to provide guidance on planning for emergency management operations.
APWA Emergency Management Peer Resource Directory
This resource for APWA and CPWA members contains information on volunteer public works professionals with direct experience in various areas of emergency management willing to provide advice or information on emergency management matters.
APWA Guide: Public Works and Mutual Aid Agreements
This document was developed by the APWA Emergency Management Committee to provide guidance on public works and mutual aid agreements.
Career Development
Check out the new Public Works Case Study highlighting how Columbus, Ohio is taking practical steps to strengthen their workforce. The city broadened access to public works careers by partnering with the Ohio Reformatory for Women, connecting a trained but underutilized talent pool to critical roles while driving strong retention and advancement.
Certification
Emergency management is a core part of public works, and it’s an integral part of the Certified Public Works Professional (CPWP) certification programs. CPWP Supervision (CPWP-S) and CPWP Management (CPWP-M) include emergency management, reinforcing that planning, response, and recovery are core responsibilities for public works professionals at every level.
CPWP-S focuses on day to day emergency coordination in the field, while CPWP-M builds on that foundation with an emphasis on leadership and decision making during more complex emergency situations. For details on CPWP certification and how to apply, visit apwa.org/certification.
