U.S. Emergency Management Agencies
Your guide to federal, state, and local emergency resources
Emergency Management Agency Structure
Emergency management in the United States operates at federal, state, and local levels. Understanding this multi-tiered system helps you access the right resources during an emergency and connect with preparedness programs in your community.
Federal Emergency Management Agencies
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Primary Federal AgencyFEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made.
Mission Areas:
- Disaster response and recovery coordination
- Individual and public assistance programs
- National preparedness and training
- Mitigation and risk reduction
- Emergency communications
- Continuity of government operations
Key Programs:
- Public Assistance Grant Program
- Individual Assistance for disaster survivors
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
- National Flood Insurance Program
- Emergency Management Institute training
- Community Rating System
Regional Offices:
- Region I: Boston (New England states)
- Region II: New York (NY, NJ, PR, VI)
- Region III: Philadelphia (Mid-Atlantic)
- Region IV: Atlanta (Southeast)
- Region V: Chicago (Great Lakes)
- Region VI: Denton, TX (South Central)
- Region VII: Kansas City (Midwest)
- Region VIII: Denver (Mountain states)
- Region IX: Oakland (Southwest, Pacific)
- Region X: Bothell, WA (Northwest, Alaska)
National Weather Service (NWS)
Provides weather, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States. Issues severe weather warnings, watches, and advisories.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Leads public health emergency preparedness and response efforts. Provides guidance on biological threats, pandemics, and health emergencies.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Oversees national security efforts including terrorism prevention, border security, and cybersecurity. FEMA operates under DHS.
U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
Provides national leadership in fire prevention, emergency medical services, and related emergency management programs.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Responds to environmental emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and provides environmental cleanup coordination.
National Hurricane Center (NHC)
Issues forecasts, watches, and warnings for tropical weather systems in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific basins.
State Emergency Management Agencies
Each state has its own emergency management agency. Find your state agency to access local resources, training, and preparedness information.
Northeast
- Connecticut Emergency Management
- Delaware Emergency Management Agency
- Maine Emergency Management Agency
- Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
- New Hampshire Homeland Security
- New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
- New York Emergency Management
- Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
- Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
- Vermont Emergency Management
Southeast
- Alabama Emergency Management Agency
- Florida Division of Emergency Management
- Georgia Emergency Management Agency
- Kentucky Emergency Management
- Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security
- Maryland Emergency Management Agency
- Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
- North Carolina Emergency Management
- South Carolina Emergency Management Division
- Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
- Virginia Department of Emergency Management
- West Virginia Division of Homeland Security
Midwest
- Illinois Emergency Management Agency
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security
- Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Kansas Division of Emergency Management
- Michigan Emergency Management
- Minnesota Homeland Security
- Missouri State Emergency Management Agency
- Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
- North Dakota Department of Emergency Services
- Ohio Emergency Management Agency
- South Dakota Office of Emergency Management
- Wisconsin Emergency Management
West
- Alaska Division of Homeland Security
- Arizona Division of Emergency Management
- California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
- Colorado Division of Homeland Security
- Hawaii Emergency Management Agency
- Idaho Office of Emergency Management
- Montana Disaster and Emergency Services
- Nevada Division of Emergency Management
- New Mexico Department of Homeland Security
- Oregon Office of Emergency Management
- Utah Division of Emergency Management
- Washington Military Department Emergency Management
- Wyoming Office of Homeland Security
How to Find Your State Agency:
Search online for "[Your State] Emergency Management" or "[Your State] Homeland Security" to find your state agency's website, contact information, and local resources.
Local Emergency Management
County Emergency Management
Most counties have an emergency management office responsible for coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery at the local level.
Typical Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain county emergency operations plan
- Coordinate emergency response between agencies
- Operate Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
- Provide public education and preparedness training
- Manage emergency alert and warning systems
- Coordinate sheltering and mass care operations
City/Municipal Emergency Management
Larger cities often have dedicated emergency management departments working in coordination with county and state agencies.
Common Services:
- Emergency planning and preparedness programs
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training
- Special events emergency planning
- Business continuity assistance
- Emergency notification systems
- Hazard mitigation planning
Tribal Emergency Management
Federally recognized tribes operate their own emergency management programs with direct access to federal assistance.
Resources:
- Tribal emergency operations plans
- Cultural and traditional resource protection
- Direct federal assistance eligibility
- Coordination with state and local agencies
- Specialized training and exercises
How to Find Your Local Emergency Management Office
Volunteer Organizations
American Red Cross
Provides emergency shelter, food, and supplies. Offers disaster preparedness education and training programs nationwide.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Train community members in basic disaster response skills. Programs available through local emergency management agencies.
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
Volunteer medical and public health professionals who support communities during emergencies and public health events.
Connect With Your Local Agency
Find your local emergency management office to access preparedness resources, training, and emergency alerts
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