Cook County's non-mandated ESDAs can apply for certification through Cook County Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS). To achieve this certification, they must adhere to the procedures outlined in the Illinois Administrative Code, Part 301. This involves submitting necessary documentation and demonstrating compliance with the state's requirements for disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Following these steps ensures that the local agencies are equipped to effectively manage emergencies and enhance community resilience. The certification term shall be at least two years, but no longer than four years.
Cook County ESDA-Certified Municipalities and Townships
ESDA Certification Process
A Cook County non-mandated ESDA may apply for certification by submitting the following to the regional coordinator assigned to your jurisdiction. If you are unsure of who your regional coordinator is, please reach out to duty.desk@cookcountyil.gov.
Submit a copy of the political subdivision ordinance creating the ESDA affixed with the official seal by the clerk of the political subdivision.
Submit documentation of the ESDA coordinator's Notice of Appointment card.
Submit documentation that:
A) An ESDA coordinator appointed after January 1, 2002, has completed, within 12 months after the date of appointment, the IEMA New Coordinators Workshop Course and the Principles of Emergency Management Course or courses determined by IEMA to be consistent with or at least as stringent as these courses; and
B) After the first year of appointment, or for ESDA coordinators appointed prior to January 1, 2002, the ESDA coordinator has biennially completed 48 hours of professional development training, of which a minimum of 24 hours is IEMA-sponsored professional development training. The IEMA-sponsored professional development training program shall, at a minimum, be consistent with and at least as stringent as the FEMA Professional Development Series. Coordinators may receive credit for up to 24 hours of non-IEMA-sponsored professional development training, including, but not limited to, emergency management conferences, independent study courses, college courses or internet courses, but only if such training is consistent with or at least as stringent as training in the IEMA-sponsored professional development training program and is pre-approved for a specific number of credit hours in writing by IEMA prior to the training.
Complete an Emergency Operations Plan that meets the requirements of Subparts B and C that is reviewed and accepted by the county or multiple county ESDA in accordance with Section 301.320.
Conduct an exercise in accordance with the requirements of Subpart D.