EMA Appreciation Week

EMA Week 2024: Feb. 19-24

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. Indiana recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of all its dedicated emergency managers statewide and invites Hoosiers to join in honoring them during EMA Appreciation Week (Feb. 19-24, 2024).

Indiana's Emergency Backbone

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb has issued a proclamation declaring EMA Appreciation Week each year since 2020. 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.

Read letter from IDHS' Mary Moran

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 statewide contacts map.
• Get prepared for a disaster now! Your EMA especially will love it if you have your disaster kit ready to go.