7 Critical Ways The Arkansas Department Of Emergency Management (ADEM) Is Protecting Your Community Right Now

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) stands as the central coordinating body for all-hazards preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across the state. As of late 2025, the agency is actively managing the aftermath of multiple major weather events and implementing a series of forward-looking plans to fortify Arkansas against future catastrophes. Its mission is to provide efficient state-level leadership, resources, and coordination for a comprehensive approach to emergencies and disasters impacting the state. The urgency of ADEM’s work has been underscored by recent events, including a significant declaration in May 2025 and an Emergency Disaster Declaration in April 2025 for severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that impacted numerous counties. Understanding ADEM's structure, leadership, and current initiatives is crucial for every Arkansas resident, as the department is the primary link between local jurisdictions and federal resources, notably the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

ADEM Leadership and Organizational Profile (Late 2025)

The effectiveness of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (often referred to simply as ADEM) relies heavily on its experienced leadership team and structured organization, which operates under the umbrella of the Arkansas Department of Public Safety.

• Agency Name: Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) / Arkansas Division of Emergency Management
• Parent Agency: Arkansas Department of Public Safety
• Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
• Director and State Homeland Security Advisor: A.J. Gary
• Director Appointment Date: June 2016 by then-Governor Asa Hutchinson
• Deputy Director (Recovery and Mitigation): Jodi Lee
• Key Role: Serves as the State’s primary agency for coordinating emergency and disaster operations, functioning as the liaison with FEMA.
• Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Customer Service, Teamwork, Servant Leadership, and Continuous Improvement.
• Other Key Personnel: David Bertelin (Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch Manager and State Law Enforcement Coordinator).

Director A.J. Gary has been a consistent presence in the state’s emergency response landscape for nearly a decade, ensuring continuity and expertise in managing complex, multi-jurisdictional disasters. His dual role as State Homeland Security Advisor highlights ADEM's critical involvement in both natural disaster and security-related preparedness.

ADEM’s Major Disaster Responses and Declarations (2024–2025)

The period spanning 2024 and 2025 has been particularly challenging for the state, requiring ADEM to activate its full range of resources and coordination capabilities. These recent events are a testament to the agency's continuous, all-hazards approach.

The April 2025 Severe Storms and Flooding Emergency

In April 2025, Arkansas faced a significant severe weather event involving storms, tornadoes, and widespread flooding. This crisis prompted Governor Sanders to issue an Emergency Declaration on or about April 2, 2025. ADEM was immediately tasked with coordinating the state’s response, working with local Emergency Management Coordinators and the State Emergency Response Commission to deploy resources. This response led to a Major Disaster Declaration (DR-4873-AR) being declared by the President on April 22, 2025, and later confirmed in May 2025. This declaration unlocked crucial federal assistance for recovery efforts across the affected areas.

2024 Disaster Recovery Efforts

ADEM continued to manage recovery operations from a Major Disaster Declaration (DR-4865-AR) dated May 8, 2025, which was related to a series of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred in 2024. This ongoing recovery demonstrates the long-term commitment of ADEM to community resilience, which involves not just the initial rescue and relief but also the multi-year process of rebuilding and securing federal funding.

Key Programs and Forward-Looking Initiatives for a Resilient Arkansas

To move beyond a purely reactive stance, ADEM is deeply invested in several key programs and planning initiatives designed to proactively reduce the impact of future disasters. This focus on mitigation and preparedness is central to building a more resilient Arkansas.

1. Hazard Mitigation Planning and Funding

A core function of the division is the development and maintenance of the State of Arkansas Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is essential because a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan is a mandatory condition for Arkansas to receive certain non-emergency disaster assistance and mitigation funding. ADEM actively engages with communities to implement this plan, which helps fortify housing and infrastructure against known risks. The planning process is continuous, with the 2023 plan being the current reference, and related planning guides being updated into late 2025.

2. The Arkansas Disaster Relief Program (ADRP)

The ADRP is a vital state-level program managed by ADEM that provides funds for the immediate needs of disaster-impacted citizens and communities. This program is often the first line of financial support, bridging the gap before extensive federal aid from FEMA can be fully processed and distributed, ensuring that critical needs are met without delay.

3. Comprehensive Emergency Management Planning (ARCEMP)

ADEM is responsible for the appropriate development, updating, and distribution of the Arkansas Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (ARCEMP). This expansive document is the state's blueprint for an all-hazards response. A significant update in September 2025 involved moving the Nuclear Planning and Response program from the Arkansas Department of Health to the Division of Emergency Management, centralizing critical response functions within ADEM. The Integrated Preparedness Plan, which details ADEM's training and exercise framework, is also updated to cover January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, ensuring continuous readiness.

4. Legislative and Capability Enhancements

In a move to further strengthen the state’s capabilities, Arkansas lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 392 in March 2025. This legislative proposal was specifically aimed at enhancing the state's emergency management capabilities, reflecting a political commitment to supporting ADEM’s mission and staffing requirements.

5. Severe Weather Awareness and Education

In cooperation with the National Weather Service (NWS), ADEM spearheads public awareness campaigns, such as the proclamation of Severe Weather Awareness Week (March 2 to March 8, 2025). These educational initiatives are vital for ensuring that local citizens and businesses are prepared for common Arkansas hazards like tornadoes, floods, and severe thunderstorms.

How ADEM Builds Topical Authority and Resilience

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management is not just a responder; it is a critical hub that connects various state, local, and federal entities. Its broad scope of work builds topical authority across numerous emergency management disciplines, making it the definitive source for disaster information in the state. ADEM’s responsibilities extend to:

• Grant Management: Managing grant programs that fortify housing and promote the long-term resilience of Arkansas’s communities.
• Critical Infrastructure Protection: Working with the Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch to secure essential state services and assets.
• Regulatory Oversight: Managing the State Emergency Response Commission and the annual TIER 2 Reporting Year (e.g., 2025 reporting) for hazardous materials.
• Active Shooter Preparedness: Providing resources and training on Active Shooter Preparedness, demonstrating its role as a State Homeland Security Advisor.

By integrating these diverse functions—from financial recovery (Arkansas Disaster Relief Program) to legislative advocacy (Senate Bill 392) and specialized response (Nuclear Planning and Response program)—ADEM ensures a holistic and robust emergency management system. The continuous updates to foundational documents like the ARCEMP and the Integrated Preparedness Plan, coupled with immediate responses to events like the April 2025 severe storms, confirm ADEM's status as a dynamic and essential state agency.

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