General Info

Founded in 1965, the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, also known HSEMD, is a defense agency that offers emergency preparedness services during natural and other types of disaster situations. HSEMD is a division of the Iowa Department of Public Defense. It helps to coordinate activities before, during and after emergencies through partnerships with the local, state, federal and private agencies. With a location in Johnston, Iowa, the division conducts training on topics related to the development of leadership, decision making and problem solving skills. The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management implements and tracks homeland security grants, as well as prepares safety plans for emergency response, hazard mitigation, disaster recovery and asset protection. It also offers courses related to exercise design, terrorism response and emergency planning.