About Us

HOME » ABOUT US

We are Iowa HSEMD

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEMD) 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.

Never Forget

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.

HSEMD Remembers 9/11 – 20 years Later

Maximizing resources to prepare for all hazards

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. HSEMD 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.

Working to make Iowa prepared for an emergency or disaster since 1965.

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.

View the full HSEMD Strategy document.

Mission Statement

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

Iowa HSEMD Core Values in PDF format

Iowa Law and Rules

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

View Iowa Administrative Code
View Iowa Code, Chapter 29C

Legislative Updates

The following document is the Administrative Rules Regulatory Plan for the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Current Plan–Oct. 27, 2014
Current Legislative Rule Docket–July 9, 2019

Preparedness Cycle Graphic with Arrows in a circle with the text Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

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 (HSEMD). The HSEMD 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 HSEMD, the advisor relies on an advisory committee for information to assist in the decision-making process.

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 in PDF format.

HOMELAND SECURITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

1. Iowa Homeland Security Advisor
2. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
3. Iowa Department of Education
4. Iowa Department of Human Services
5. Iowa Department of Natural Resources
6. Iowa Department of Public Health
7. Iowa Department of Public Safety- Fusion Center
8. Iowa Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Enforcement
9. Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council
10. Iowa Emergency Management Association
11. Iowa Geographic Information Council (IGIC)
12. Iowa National Guard
13. Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board
14. Office of the Chief Information Officer
15. Safeguard Iowa Partnership