TEMA announces name change, department transition

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has become the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority (TEMA) has transitioned to a standalone cabinet-level department. TEMA was previously housed in the Department of Military. As i new standalone department, officials said TEMA will have better ability to support state agencies and local jurisdictions before, during, and after disasters. The new department will continue working closely with county emergency management agencies, first responders, state departments, federal partners, volunteer organizations, private-sector partners, and community leaders to strengthen statewide preparedness, resilience, and coordinated emergency response.