About DES

 Department of Emergency Services Advisory Committee    Division of Homeland Security    Division of State Radio    N.D. Homeland Security Fusion Center    Organizational Chart    Strategic Plan  

The N.D. Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) has 54 legislatively authorized positions. It is comprised of the Divisions of Homeland Security and State Radio. The Department provides 24/7 emergency communications and resource coordination with more than 50 lead and support agencies, private enterprise and voluntary organizations to assist local jurisdictions in disaster and emergency response activities. It administers federal disaster recovery programs and the Homeland Security Grant Program. NDDES also manages the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) that serves as a national clearinghouse though which member states may request and provide mutual aid assistance.

Each community maintains a direct responsibility for the safety of its citizens. Local and tribal governments provide initial response to incidents, emergencies, disasters or catastrophes. Local Emergency Managers serve a key role in coordinating response and recovery efforts and offer a better understanding of the situation and accompanying resource requirements. NDDES supports response and recovery coordination with Emergency Managers in each county and tribal nation within the state of North Dakota as well as the cities of Bismarck and Fargo.