County Emergency Management Coordinators and agencies have a vital role in preparation for, response to, and recovery from disasters. County emergency management agencies are the backbone of the state’s emergency management system. They provide coordination of local resources and work in partnership with the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department (HSEMD) to ensure the emergency management and response communities have adequately planned, and are well-equipped, trained, and exercised.
Chapter 29C of the Code of Iowa authorizes the formation of Emergency Management Commissions. These commissions consist of mayors of the communities within the county, the county Sheriff and a member of the county Board of Supervisors. It is the responsibility of the commission to appoint an Emergency Management Coordinator to manage the county’s program.
State and Local rules and regulations concerning various environmental aspects of public health have been enacted. Ida County Environmental Health has the responsibility to work with the public to maintain and improve our environment and by so doing, the overall health of the county.
Through this department, the Ida County Board of Health contracts with various state agencies to issues permits for septic systems and well construction, and inspect pools and tattoo parlors . In addition, the Department is responsible for indoor air quality including radon; rabies quarantines and public health nuisance complaints.
Ida County Environmental Health provides free private drinking water well samples along with financial assistance for qualifying well assessment, shock chlorination, well rehabilitation, well closures and cistern closures through the Private Well Grant through Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Inspections of restaurants & other food establishments, hotels, motels, and vending machines in Ida County is done by Buena Vista County Environmental Health through a contract between that agency and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
Ed Sohm
