About

HSEMD team members have a discussion led by Director John Benson at the State Emergency Operations Center.
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We are Iowa HSEM

  • Mission oriented. We are resolute in our service to Iowans.
  • Integrity. We conduct ourselves with honesty and are transparent in our actions.
  • Distinguished. We are leaders in our field.
  • One team. We collaborate, connect, and share.

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has been working to make Iowa more prepared for disasters since it began as the State Civil Defense Agency in 1965. The focus of emergency management and the hazards faced by Iowans may have changed in some ways since that time, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to making our state more prepared for any emergency or disaster.

Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the department, then a division under the Iowa Department of Public Defense, was directed by the governor to coordinate Iowa’s homeland security efforts. While this broadened our mission, our underlying priority of ensuring Iowa is prepared and ready to respond to any disaster drives all we do.

While the likelihood of a terrorist act being committed in Iowa is unknown, we will continue to be affected by floods, tornadoes, snow storms, plane crashes, and other natural and human-caused disasters. HSEM approaches these and other emergency situations with an emphasis on maximizing resources by using and expanding upon current capacities and building core capabilities that ensure we are prepared for all hazards.

Purpose

Enhancing the quality of life for Iowans

Focus

Preparing our State and building resilient communities

Mission

Enhancing the quality of life for Iowans by preparing our State and building resilient communities

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Strategy

The Strategy for the Iowa Dept. of Homeland Security and Emergency Management 2021-2023 guides strategic and policy decisions regarding the allocation of limited resources that protect citizens and property within the state.

Strategy for Iowa HSEM 2024-2028

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Emergency Management Structure in Iowa

The structure of homeland security and emergency management in Iowa begins with the governor, who holds the responsibility for protecting Iowa’s citizens. The governor appoints the Iowa homeland security advisor and the director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). The HSEM director serves as the state administrative agent for grants administered by the federal government.

Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management is the coordinating body for homeland security and emergency management activities across the state. In addition to HSEM, the advisor relies on an advisory committee for information to assist in the decision-making process.

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Homeland Security Advisory Committee (HSAC)

The purpose of the Homeland Security Advisory Committee (HSAC) is to advise Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management on how to strengthen existing homeland security assets and first responder specialty teams. Members of the committee are chosen based on their experience and expertise. View the HSAC Charter. The latest HSAC meeting minutes will be made available upon email request.

Homeland Security Advisory Committee membership:

  • Iowa Homeland Security Advisor
  • Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
  • Iowa Department of Education
  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources
  • Iowa Department of Public Safety- Fusion Center
  • Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Enforcement
  • Iowa Emergency Management Association
  • Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council
  • Iowa Geographic Information Council (IGIC)
  • Iowa National Guard
  • Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board
  • Office of the Chief Information Officer
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Iowa Law & Rules

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is created in Iowa Code chapter 29C.

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Administrative Rules Docket

The Rule-making Docket for the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management can be found at the Legislature’s “Rules Tracker” website.  The site tracks the HSEM rule-making process in real-time from the Notice of Intended Action to Adoption.  You can access public comment deadlines, public hearing dates, Administrative Rule Review Committee (ARRC) meeting dates and actions taken, published rule-making documents (ARC’s), and effective dates.

The link takes you to the administrative rules for HSEM (605). Once at the site you can utilize the dropdown listing to search for and access published documents. 

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Executive Order 10

Executive Order 10 (EO10) signed by the Governor on January 10, 2023, requires all state agencies to identify which administrative rule chapters will be retained or rescinded. The EO10 process includes the review of existing rule chapters, the reauthorization of rule chapters that will be retained, and public engagement with the opportunity for meaningful input throughout the process. 

Red Tape Reviews

Red Tape Reviews are the Department's analysis for rules chapters. Documents explain the analysis, including rules and restrictive terms that are eliminated, and contains a proposed new rule chapter. Additional changes may be made to each proposed rule chapter as part of the Regulatory Analysis required by Executive Order 10, or as part of the rulemaking process.

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