Government : Gov. Reynolds Proclaims Sept. 21-25 as Emergency Management Appreciation Week

Recently, Governor Reynolds took action and signed a proclamation recognizing the week of September 21st as Emergency Management Appreciation Week across the state. Reynolds' proclamation noted the timeliness of pausing and appreciating those who have dedicated their time to help Iowa recover from disasters. In 2020 alone, Iowa has faced the COVID-19 pandemic, a massive derecho storm system, tornadoes, and flooding.

Following the derecho storm, emergency managers across the state have been on the ground working tirelessly to help communities survey the damage and get on the path toward recovery. These same emergency managers have responded to 45 federally declared disasters in Iowa over the last 30 years. Emergency managers are key to helping communities prepare for disasters before they strike. From training to implementing processes to be used during disasters, county emergency managers work day in and day out to ensure their communities are prepared for any disaster that may strike.

Iowa Emergency Management Association (IEMA) members continuously work with first responders, jurisdictional executives, and legislators to improve the condition of disaster preparedness in Iowa. IEMA remains persistent in their advocacy efforts to extend the state's Back to School sales tax holiday to include the purchase of disaster preparedness supplies in an effort to ensure families have the tools and supplies needed to be self-sufficient during any disaster they may face. IEMA supports expanding the tax-free holiday to include items such as portable generators, batteries, first aid kits, radios, and any other items that would be vital to Iowans during an emergency situation. Making this simple tax change will help countless Iowans be prepared to self-support and stay safe in their homes during the next emergency.

For more information or to set up an interview with IEMA President Jeff Anderson,

please contact: Nick Laning - (515) 985.9054 - nick@advocacyiowa.com

About the Iowa Emergency Management Association

The Iowa Emergency Management Association is a professional society of local Emergency Management professionals united for the purpose of mitigating, preparing, responding and recovering from the effects of man-made and natural hazards in order to preserve life and protect property for the citizens of our communities and the State of Iowa. The Association is organized to protect and advance the interests of the profession and to serve the economic, educational, ethical and social needs of its members.