Emergency Management Agency Appreciation Week
Counties throughout Indiana have emergency management offices that take steps to reduce their communities' vulnerability to hazards and to help cope with disasters. These Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) work with other public safety partners and organizations to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies.
Gov. Mike Braun has issued a proclamation declaring EMA Appreciation Week as Aug. 2-8, 2026. IDHS recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of all emergency managers statewide and invites Hoosiers to join in honoring them during EMA Appreciation Week.
Indiana's Emergency Backbone
County EMAs are a vital public service to Indiana communities, and they are part of the first line of response to natural and man-made disasters. Emergency managers help create disaster response plans, organize trainings that include first responders and other community partners to practice response plans, draft plans that help minimize the impact of disasters, work with state and federal agencies on assistive programs and find the most effective methods of disaster recovery.
Getting To Know EMAs
EMA staff members work daily to plan, train and practice responding to emergency situations. They also assist other first responders to prepare and respond to emergencies regularly.
Check out the Youtube series with Clark County EMA Gavan Hebner to learn more here.
2026 Spotlight
EMA professionals play a vital role in Indiana, coordinating disaster response, supporting public safety partners and helping communities prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate emergencies of all kinds. To highlight the incredible work happening across the state, IDHS is spotlighting outstanding EMA professionals below for their service to the people of Indiana and their invaluable contributions to their counties.
How Will You Say Thanks?
EMAs work behind the scenes to prepare for a variety of disasters that could affect you. Here are ideas to show them your appreciation this year:
- Say thanks on social media using hashtags #EMA, #ThankanEMA or #EMAAppreciation. Tag your EMA too!
- Submit a story of how an EMA has helped you, your organization or your community.
- If you are a county commissioner, sign this certificate and give it to your EMA staff!
- Treat your EMA team to their favorite food, or send your EMA an email to say thanks. You can find your EMA's contact info on the EMA Contacts Map.
- Get prepared for a disaster now! Your EMA especially will love it if you have your disaster kit ready to go.
