About Emergency Management

The Division of Emergency Management coordinates the State of Arizona’s emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts in order to reduce the impact of emergencies and disaster on people and property in the Whole Community.

Emergency Management works under the broad authority of the Arizona Revised Statutes Title 26 Military Affairs and Emergency Management, Chapter 2; and the Arizona Administrative Code, Title 8.

The Division of Emergency Management is divided into three (3)  sections: Preparedness; Operations and Coordination; and Infrastructure and Grants Administration. Each section is further broken down into operational branches whose staff work in support of the DEMA mission to provide emergency management capabilities to the citizens of Arizona and the Nation (Division organizational chart). 

The Emergency Management Division is committed to training future emergency managers by offering an internship program.

In 2020, the State of Arizona was reaccredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) Commission. DEMA was first accredited by EMAP in 2004 and was reaccredited in 2009 and 2015. Reaccreditation lasts for five years.

Vision

The Division of Emergency Management’s vision is to be the standard in Emergency Management by engaging and supporting our partners and stakeholders in creating safer communities through the following four areas:

Ready: Stand ready to assist through an all-hazards approach to an emergency-related incident or event.

Reliable: Meet commitments and exceed expectations by providing consistent support through unity of collaboration and effort.

Responsive: Respond quickly and effectively to dynamic situations and changing demands through consistent and innovative approaches.

Resolved: Commitment to safety and resilience by coming together as a community to effectively accomplish any challenging situation.