THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, comprised of the Hunterdon County Emergency Management Council was established in 1986 by the Board of Chosen Freeholders for the purpose of developing an emergency operations plan to address major emergency situations affecting Hunterdon County. The Council, comprised of County officials and department heads, completed the plan in 1987 and updates it annually. The plan addresses possible natural or man-made catastrophes, such as a flood, fire, terrorism, and hazardous waste spills, which require County level coordination when local resources are exceeded. Four phases of emergency management are addressed: mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery in order to minimize loss of life and property.

Under the Direction of the Emergency Management Coordinator, the Council meets quarterly to further refine procedures as required, based upon the constantly changing character of Hunterdon County and emergency resources. As such, the plan is a continually changing "Living Document".