Homeland Security and Emergency Management

**What We Do** The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has a vision for a resilient Minnesota-- as we help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. **History** Minnesota created its Department of Civil Defense in 1951 when C. Elmer Anderson was Minnesota’s governor and color television was introduced. Today the division is called Homeland Security and Emergency Management. How we do business has changed dramatically in the last 60 years, but the reason we do it has remained constant—keeping Minnesota ready for disasters whether they are caused by humans or mother nature. The financial impact of disasters on communities and individuals can be devastating. HSEM brings in millions of dollars in response, recovery, mitigation and education funding every year.