How does HS&EM respond to a major disaster?
The agency’s role in a major disaster is to coordinate the state’s emergency response. Most emergencies start and end at the local level and are handled by local police, fire and emergency medical personnel. HS&EM becomes involved when an emergency overwhelms local and mutual aid resources and additional help is needed from the state and federal governments. The Governor directs the state emergency response and requests assistance from other states or the federal government through the agency.
