Emergency Management is a legal responsibility and function of local, county, state and federal government. Over the past two decades, federal and state laws were amended to include natural, technological and man-made disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs. National attention to emergency management began in the early 1950s with emphasis on civil defense, or enemy attack preparedness. The Emergency Management Services Code (35 Pa. C. S. Section 7101-7707) became law in 1978 and replaced the State Council of Civil Defense Act of 1951. Amendments to this Act in 1988 and 1989 further focused the role of emergency management personnel, organizations and responsibilities. In 1997, as the role of the emergency management agency grew, the Adams County Emergency Management Agency and Department of Communications changed its name to its current Adams County Department of Emergency Services.

Provides Emergency Management Services for Adams County, both at county and municipal level; Operates county's 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center; runs county's Hazardous Materials Planning and Response program, including carrying out aspects of PA ACT 165 and SARA Title III; coordinates training for county's emergency responders. The Mission of the Adams County Department of Emergency Services is to provide to the citizens and emergency responders of Adams County a comprehensive program of emergency management, including, but not limited to:

9-1-1 and emergency dispatch services; emergency planning, training and resource management; hazardous materials planning, training and response. The Department works closely with appropriate municipal, county, state and federal agencies in order to carry out its mission.