Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, is committed to building a safe and resilient Wisconsin. WEM coordinates statewide resources, supports local governments and tribal nations, and strengthens preparedness for disasters and emergencies. From operating the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to delivering training, exercises, and planning support, WEM ensures communities are ready to respond and recover. Key priorities include disaster response coordination, hazard mitigation, recovery programs, and public safety training. Guided by its mission to protect lives and property, WEM partners with agencies across the state to enhance emergency capabilities and foster resilience.
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Mission Statement
Wisconsin Emergency Management builds capabilities and coordinates resources to support a safe and resilient Wisconsin.
Emergency Experts
Our Leadership team
Greg Engle
Administrator
Ruhamah Bauman
Director – Bureau of Operations & Planning Support
Katie Sommers
Director – Bureau of Policy & Grants
Paul Cooke
Director – Bureau of Field Services
Wisconsin State Emergency Operations Center
When an emergency occurs, each state agency carries out its responsibilities independent of other agencies.
The activities of state agencies must be closely coordinated if the state is to respond effectively.
The purpose of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is to facilitate that coordination.
SEOC Levels
Level 1
Full State/Federal Response
A full activation of the SEOC occurs to support complex incidents involving multiple jurisdictions. It involves federal agency assistance when the incident overwhelms the state’s ability to respond.
Level 2
Partial SEOC Response
There is dedicated support for smaller-scale incidents where one or a few local jurisdictions may be overwhelmed and request state level support.
Level 3
Expanded Monitoring and Support
Enhanced level of monitoring for ongoing or anticipated events that may require additional staffing to support. Assigned staff may still be supporting daily operations.
Level 4
Active Monitoring and Support
Staff are actively monitoring severe weather conditions and other emerging threats. Incident support coordination occurs as needed.
Consideration for Determining Event Levels
The following factors will be considered in determining the level of the event and subsequent SEOC activation.
- Tornado Warnings for multiple counties resulting from a storm system passing through the state.
- Winter storm or blizzard warning
- Predicted rapid and heavy rate of snow fall
- Imminent threat of flash flooding
- Large evacuation
- Shelters opening in response to large evacuations
- Events that cause significant disruption to community activities and affect public safety
- Closure of major portions of the Interstate system or Highway 41
- Potential or actual impacts on critical facilities
- Resource request or need for involvement of multiple state agencies
Other severe weather factors:
- Number of counties affected
- Population in the affected counties
- Transportation and infrastructure affected
- Ability of staff to respond to SEOC
- Potential for extensive power outages
- Timing of the weather event (i.e. holiday travel, on-going special events, etc.)