Elected Officials and Local Leaders
Elected officials and local leaders play an important role before, during, and after disasters. Your leadership can help communities prepare, understand risks, support local emergency management, and navigate recovery when disasters occur.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Authority works with state, county, municipal, and community partners to strengthen emergency management across Tennessee. This page provides resources to help elected officials, staff, and local leaders understand emergency management, connect with local emergency managers, and share preparedness information with their communities.
New to Emergency Management ?
Emergency management is a shared responsibility among individuals, local governments, state agencies, federal partners, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, and community leaders.
In Tennessee, local emergency management agencies are the first point of coordination for disasters and emergencies in their communities. TEMA supports local jurisdictions by coordinating state resources, supporting planning and preparedness efforts, assisting with response operations, and helping communities navigate recovery and mitigation programs.
Elected officials and staff can support emergency management by understanding local plans, knowing who to contact during emergencies, sharing trusted information, and helping residents and businesses prepare before a disaster happens. Watch the video below to better understand an elected official's role in emergency management:
Understanding Your Role Before, During, and After a Disaster
Elected officials and local leaders help set the tone for preparedness, response, and recovery. Your role may change depending on the type of incident, the needs of your community, and the phase of the emergency.
TEMA is here to support local leaders throughout the entire emergency management process, from planning and preparedness to response, recovery, and long-term resilience.
Contact State and Local Emergency Management
Connect with Local Emergency Management
The best time to build relationships is before an emergency happens. Elected officials, staff, and local leaders are encouraged to connect with their local emergency management agency to learn more about local plans, emergency operations, preparedness priorities, and recovery coordination.
Your local emergency management agency can help you better understand local risks, emergency plans, training opportunities, and the roles different partners play before, during, and after disasters.
Connect with TEMA
TEMA’s Legislative Director is an important contact for elected officials and local leaders before, during, and after disasters.
Elected officials and staff who would like to receive updates from TEMA should ensure their current contact information is on file.
Austin Travis | TEMA Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Director