Open Records Policy

The Tennessee Public Records Act provides Tennessee citizens the right to access government records connected to official business, unless otherwise provided by state law.

To request public records from the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority, please submit your request by email to: TEMA.OpenRecords@tn.gov

Proof of Tennessee Residency

Public records requests under the Tennessee Public Records Act are available to Tennessee citizens. Requesters may be required to provide proof of Tennessee residency before records are inspected or copies are provided.

When submitting a request, please include proof of Tennessee residency, such as a valid Tennessee driver license or another government-issued photo identification that includes your address.

What to Include in Your Request

To help TEMA identify and locate responsive records, please include as much detail as possible in your request, including:

  • Your name
  • Contact information
  • Proof of Tennessee residency
  • A clear description of the records requested
  • The date range, incident, location, program area, or other details that may help identify the records
  • Whether you are requesting to inspect records, receive copies, or both

Requests should be specific enough for TEMA to identify the records being requested. The Tennessee Public Records Act does not require agencies to create new records, compile information, or answer general questions in response to a records request.

Tier II Chemical Information Requests

Requests for Tier II chemical information can be made by submitting a public records request for Tier II reports.

For more information about Tier II reporting, visit TEMA’s Tier II Chemical Information Frequently Asked Questions page.

Records That May Not Be Available

Some records may be confidential or exempt from disclosure under state or federal law. If a record or portion of a record cannot be released, TEMA will process the request in accordance with applicable public records requirements.

Fees

Fees may apply for copies or production of records. If fees apply, TEMA will provide information about any applicable charges before records are produced.