Celebrate National Emergency Management Month

August 10, 2026 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – August marks National Emergency Management Awareness Month, a nationwide intiative led by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). This month-long campaign aims to raise awareness about the emergency management profession and the vital role emergency managers play in keeping our local communities safe. 

Emergency Management ensures communities and organizations prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. Emergency Management professionals create, coordinate and manage systems that save lives, minimize damage to property and infrastructure, reduce future risks and support restoration post-disaster. 

To recognize the work of our local emergency managers, the dome lights at City Hall will be illuminated green on Friday August 14. The color green symbolizes stability in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Lifeline system, which the team uses to monitor conditions before, during and after a complex incident or disaster. When green, each of the Lifelines are functioning properly and not currently impacted.

Emergency Management works with various City and County departments to prepare and respond to emergencies, but also with partners like Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, school districts, colleges and universities, and organizations such as the United Way, Red Cross and Salvation Army.

Join us in recognizing and appreciating the vital work of emergency management this month, and every month, as they help build a safer, stronger community for all.