SERC committees are managed according to SERC bylaws and SERC Policies and Procedures Manual. Extracts from both of these documents are provided below. The SERC has established the following as standing committees:
The SERC may modify or eliminate these committees and establish such other committees as it determines is necessary. Each committee may adopt and modify its own internal procedures by majority vote of the members at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Each committee shall keep written minutes showing action taken by the committee.
Alaska Citizen Corps Committee
Composition At a minimum, the Alaska Citizen Corps Committee consists of one representative each from the funded Citizen Corps Councils and one member for the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM).
Mission The mission of the Citizen Corps Committee is to promote volunteer involvement and public education regarding disaster preparedness through Citizen Corps Programs within the state. The committee provides information to the SERC on programmatic issues. The SERC Citizen Corps Committee meets at least twice a year, in conjunction with or prior to regular SERC meetings, and as determined necessary by the chairperson. The chairperson position rotates on a yearly basis among the funded Citizen Corps Councils.
Alaska Intrastate Mutual Aid System Committee
Mission The Alaska State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) established an Alaska Intrastate Mutual Aid System Committee (AIMAS) standing committee to assist in developing operational procedures and monitoring the use and progress of AIMAS. This committee is established pursuant to AS 26.23.071(e)(2) and consists of members appointed by the SERC. The members represent emergency management; political jurisdictions, including borough or city emergency managers; emergency medical services and public health; the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association; and other appropriate professionals. Terms of the appointments shall be determined by the SERC. This committee has been divided into three groups: an AIMAS steering subcommittee focused on the policies, procedures, and operations of AIMAS; a qualifications subcommittee focused on standardizing credentials across the state; and a resource typing subcommittee focused on clearly identifying resources based on capacity.
All-Hazards Plan Review Committee
Composition The All-Hazards Plan Review Committee (AHPRC) consists of one representative each from the State DHS&EM, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), and Department of Public Safety (DPS), and a representative from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).To the extent practicable, members of the AHPRC should be knowledgeable in emergency management matters.
Mission The AHPRC reviews emergency plans to determine consistency with each other and with applicable statutes and makes recommendations to the SERC regarding them. Specifically, the AHPRC reviews and makes recommendations on the following:(1) state, inter-jurisdictional and local plans prepared under AS 26.23; (2) state and regional plans prepared under AS 46.04.200-210; (3) plans prepared by state agencies under other authorities; (4) integrated or combined state/federal emergency operations plans; and (5) the state’s model community emergency response plan.In reviewing plans, the AHPRC evaluates their consistency with each other and with SARA Title III (Section 303(c)), AS 26.23.075, AS 26.23.077, AS 46.04.200, AS 46.04.210, the National Contingency Plan, the Federal Response Plan, and other criteria as may be adopted by the AHPRC.
The AHPRC develops the emergency operation plan review process for the SERC.Where appropriate, the AHPRC recommends changes to the state Emergency Operations Plan to improve the state’s ability to prevent and minimize injury and damage from natural or manmade disasters.The AHPRC also reviews the results of exercises and response operations, assesses the adequacy of emergency resources as well as emergency plans, and addresses other emergency operations planning issues, as requested by the SERC co-chairs.
Disaster Search and Rescue (DSR) Committee
Composition At a minimum, the Disaster Search and Rescue (DSR) Committee consists of one representative each from the Anchorage Fire Department, Municipality of Anchorage, DHS&EM, DNR, Alaska National Guard, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense, Department of the Interior (DOI), and FEMA. The DOI representative serves as the committee chairperson and arranges for necessary staff support. Each department or agency must provide funding support from its operating budget for its Committee representative.
Mission The Committee meets at the direction of its chairperson to: (1) identify existing DSR capabilities and deficiencies within Alaska, (2) take short-term steps using existing resources to increase DSR preparedness in Alaska, and (3) make recommendations to the SERC for long-term steps, which may require additional resources, that would further enhance the State’s DSR capabilities.
Finance Committee
Composition The SERC Finance Committee consists of five SERC members, two of whom are also LEPC representatives. Two state agency representatives are also on the committee but are non voting members. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) provides staff support to the Committee.
Mission .The SERC Finance Committee provides guidance to the SERC on LEPC funding matters, including standards for allocation of available funds to LEPCs; guidance to LEPCs for proper expenditure of funds; oversees LEPCs’ expenditures of funds; and oversees allocation of available funds to local Citizen Corps Councils.The SERC Finance Committee meets at least once a year, in conjunction with or prior to regular SERC meetings, and as necessary determined by the chairperson.
Interoperable Communications Committee
Composition The Interoperable Communications Committee is representative of the diverse public safety agencies and groups throughout Alaska. It consists of one representative each from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Public Safety, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. Statewide public safety representation consists of one representative from the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police (vacant), Alaska Fire Chiefs Association, Alaska Council on Emergency Medical Services, the Alaska Land Mobile Radio Users Council, and the Municipality of Anchorage. There are two representatives from the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Association representing both Urban and Rural area.
Mission To provide a statewide sustainable interoperable communications infrastructure to support community (multi-jurisdictional) response(s) to all-hazard and terrorist related incidents that will be accomplished by overseeing the implementation of the Alaska Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP).
Training Committee
Composition The SERC Training Committee consists of three local government representatives and two LEPC representatives. To the extent practicable, members of the training committee should be individuals who have expertise in training for emergency planners and/or responders.
Mission The SERC Training Committee: (1) identifies training needs, based on established standards and SERC policy, for all emergency response organizations listed in the emergency response plans; (2) evaluates established training standards and policies for consistency with best emergency response practices; (3) in cooperation with the All-Hazards Planning Committee of the SERC, evaluates whether the responders have the training plan, personnel, equipment, and other resources necessary to carry out the planned response; (4) identifies training needs for LEPC members (as planners, not as responders); (5) develops policies and recommendations for the SERC regarding development, funding, and implementation of training programs for emergency response; (6) oversees implementation of SERC policies regarding all-hazards training curricula, programs, instructors and students; and (7) carries out other duties as are assigned by the DMVA co-chair.
The committee researches and develops policies based on an analysis of: potential hazards, federal, state and local laws and regulations, national association and industry standards applicable to Alaska for appropriate numbers of emergency responders, basic equipment for emergency responders, levels of training for emergency responders considering availability of other assistance, difficulties of maintaining level of response/education, and other appropriate factors. It consults with and supports all groups involved in or needing such training.
Work Plan Committee
Composition The SERC Work Plan Committee consists of one SERC member or designee, the SERC Coordinator, one LEPC Representative and one state agency representative.
Mission The SERC Work Plan Committee develops a SERC work plan every two years. The work plan describes the SERCs intended activities for a two year period. The work plan includes the goals of the SERC, identifies all committees, and identifies the various SERC tasks along with their proponents.
