Emergency Management is defined as the judicious planning, assignment and coordination of all available resources in an integrated program of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery for emergencies of any kind, whether from attack, man-made or natural sources. The Emergency Management Services Code, Act 1978-323, 35 Pa.C.S.A. §7101 et seq., established the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). Its mission assignment is to assure prompt, proper and effective discharge of basic Commonwealth responsibilities relating to civil defense and disaster preparedness, operations and recovery.

In the same way, Lehigh County has established the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). The Department's charge is two-fold. One division oversees administration of the county's role in emergency management. This includes oversight responsibility for the Lehigh County Hazardous Materials Team (LCHMRT) . The second division consists of the operation of the 9-1-1 Center.