Emergency services offices coordinate the public safety response to natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other crises at the local, state, and federal level. These agencies include emergency management departments, 911 communication centers, and disaster preparedness offices that serve as the backbone of community resilience.
There are 52 states with Emergency Services locations across the United States. FEMA and its state and local counterparts coordinate responses to thousands of declared emergencies and major disasters each year.
Emergency Services in the United States
Browsing by state helps residents find their county or regional emergency management office, which provides disaster preparedness resources, alerts, and assistance during declared emergencies.
Common Services
- Emergency alert systems and public warning notifications
- Disaster preparedness planning and community training
- Emergency shelter coordination and evacuation routing
- Federal and state disaster assistance application support
Every household should have a 72-hour emergency kit and a family communication plan before a disaster strikes. Contact your local emergency management office for free preparedness guides and community training opportunities.
For official information, visit Ready.gov — Federal Emergency Preparedness.
About Emergency Services
Local emergency management offices are typically operated by county or city government and work closely with FEMA, state emergency management agencies, the National Guard, and volunteer organizations like the American Red Cross to coordinate disaster response.
Common Services
- Hazard mitigation planning and grant administration
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training
- Special needs registry enrollment for vulnerable populations
- Post-disaster damage assessment and recovery coordination
Residents with disabilities or medical needs should register with their local emergency management office's special needs registry to ensure they receive priority assistance during evacuations or disasters.
For official information, visit FEMA — Federal Emergency Management Agency.