Executive Branch

The State Emergency Management Agency, a division of the Department of Public Safety, is the state of Missouri’s coordinating agency for disaster response. SEMA works with other state departments and agencies, and the federal and local governments to ensure coordinated disaster response.

Paul Parmenter, SEMA Director

The SEMA director coordinates action with other state agencies on state legislation related to emergency preparedness, earthquake issues and floodplain management, and monitors federal legislation. The director acts as liaison to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies.

Executive Branch Programs

Disaster Recovery Partnership

The Disaster Recovery Partnership includes the Missouri Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership for Disaster Recovery, Missouri Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (Missouri VOAD) and Community Organizations Active in Disaster. The partnership acts to enhance Missouri's ability to plan and prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from any disaster by maximizing public and private resources to facilitate an efficient, integrated system for addressing human services, housing, infrastructure, community and economic development issues.

Missouri Emergency Response Commission

The Missouri Emergency Response Commission’s (MERC) mission is to protect public health and the environment by assisting communities with chemical incident prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the important spatial data they contain can be critical tools in emergency management. During an emergency or disaster in Missouri, SEMA’s GIS Program harnesses GIS technology to better assess and visualize damage statewide, develop response priorities and logistics planning, and to track progress throughout the response. SEMA GIS also provides important geospatial services that aid in mitigation efforts.

Director’s Advisory Committee

The Director’s Advisory Committee is comprised of emergency management directors representing each of Missouri's nine regions. The committee meets with the director periodically to discuss matters of mutual concern regarding emergency management, including disaster response training and exercise priorities, federal Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funding, and improving processes for the state and local jurisdictions during a disaster response.

Director’s Advisory Committee membership: