The purpose of this handbook is to provide emergency managers with policies, directives and general information regarding the various facets of the emergency management program. Emergency management has been shaped by historical events and has evolved from a Cold War threat to one that expanded to an “all-hazards” approach. In Minnesota, the county emergency management director administers a county-wide emergency management program in those areas that do not have a local emergency management organization; coordinates the activities of those jurisdictions that have emergency management organizations; assists in training; coordinates response; and supervises professional, technical, and clerical staff. The mission of the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is to reduce or eliminate the effects of natural or technological disasters. Staff and guidance materials are available to support the emergency planning efforts of local governments and business and industry. Available guidance materials include facility emergency planning outline, prototype local emergency operations plans, and school emergency/disaster preparedness. Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) is a funding source provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to State and local government for the development and maintenance of emergency management programs. Under this grant, the State is required to demonstrate performance benchmarks that are both specific and measurable in order to receive Federal funding. The Association of Minnesota Emergency Managers (AMEM) is an organization composed of emergency managers from local governments to provide an opportunity to present organized concerns to the State. Glossary, index