Administers the Rapid City-Pennington County emergency and disaster service program and advises Rapid City and Pennington County elected and appointed officials on emergency and disaster operations when a state of emergency or disaster exists. County Emergency Managers can make contact with volunteer fire departments in their County. Administers the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) programs at the local level. The Emergency Management Office exists for two reasons: To maximize the survival of the citizens of Rapid City, Box Elder, New Underwood, Wall, Hill City, Keystone and Pennington County and the preservations of their property in the event a disaster should occur in this area. The disaster may be natural, such as flood, tornado, earthquake, or technological such as hazardous materials, spill, fire, explosion, dam failure, nuclear attack, or terrorism. To define the emergency/disaster responsibilities of county and city government. Storm Shelters: Rushmore Mall has a storm shelter available during business hours. Individuals without basement access are recommended to identify options with neighbors, family, or friends prior to a storm. Public Warning Messages - Business and residents listed in the Pennington County 911 database (landlines) have been automatically subscribed to alerts by phone, but citizens can self-register and provide additional contact information paths-such as a cell phone, text, home phone, or other method-to ensure real-time access to potentially lifesaving information. Sign up at www.pennco.org/pubwarnmsg