S.M.A.R.T. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the lives and the property of the citizens within its boundaries, and the enhancement of Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) programs through mutual aid to its jurisdictional members.

Through ongoing coordination, each jurisdiction belongs to the S.M.A.R.T. organization and has hundreds of professional volunteers trained in various specialized fields on call if local resources are overtaxed. Besides manpower, over 100 pieces of equipment are on standby to respond and assist in all aspects of emergencies or disasters.

Today’s Emergency Services and Disaster Agency is prepared to protect the population from natural disaster, nuclear incidents, enemy attack and other hazards. ESDA has broadened the scope of its responsibilities far beyond the narrow mission of its predecessor, the Illinois Civil Defense Agency. ESDA offers maximum services to the citizens of Illinois by directing full support to emergency services at the local level. This State support of local efforts can be attributed to bipartisan backing from the Illinois General Assembly, Executive branch support from the Governor and strong support from the local Municipality and it’s leaders.

The strength of ESDA lies in the hard work and dedication of the volunteers who make up the local organizations. By bolstering the strength of the local unit through funding, equipment, acquisitions, educational programs, and day to day professional guidance, the citizens of Northeast Illinois are insured the fastest, most efficient response to emergencies by volunteers who make up these local organizations and who are critical to its services.