Powers and duties.
Del. Code tit. 20, § 3107
in effectDEMA is authorized and directed to:
(1) Prepare and maintain a comprehensive plan and program for the emergency management of the State, such plan to be integrated into and coordinated with the emergency management plans of the federal government and of other states and political subdivisions of this State to the fullest possible extent;
(2) Establish, equip and staff a State Emergency Operations Center;
(3) Carry out all obligations and duties associated with state emergency or disaster response and recovery plans and execute all duties and responsibilities to secure the maximum state and federal emergency management assistance and emergency or disaster recovery assistance;
(4) Apply for, accept, and expend federal, public or private funds, grants, gifts or other forms of financial assistance in order to defray the costs of DEMA directly associated with implementing and maintaining emergency management capabilities, including, but not limited to, expenses connected with retaining personnel and with acquiring and maintaining equipment, supplies and other material to carry out DEMA’s obligations and responsibilities under the plan. All grants or payments of money by the federal government, or by any other public or private source, pursuant to any contract, agreement or otherwise, to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for emergency management by DEMA shall be appropriated to DEMA for the designated purpose for which the money was paid and received, and no other. All such money shall be payable to the State Treasurer. The Treasurer shall credit the deposit to the individual appropriation accounts for the designated use;
(5) Enter into and perform contracts or agreements with any public or private source; procure by contract or agent such consulting, research, technical and other services as are necessary for DEMA to carry out its responsibilities under the plan; and accept and expend funds paid by private or public sources in consideration for the performance of obligations under such contracts or agreements;
(6) Provide technical advice and assistance to state agencies, political subdivisions and other organizations in the preparation of emergency management plans or components thereof and to periodically review such plans and suggest or require revisions;
(7) Establish and implement or assist state agencies, political subdivisions or organizations in the development of emergency management training and of public information programs in advance of actual emergencies or disasters to ensure adequately trained personnel and an informed public in times of need;
(8) Supply appropriate state and local agencies, officials and the general public with precautionary notices, watches and warnings relating to actual or potential emergencies or disasters and provide a flow of official information and instructions to the general public before, during and after an emergency or disaster;
(9) Provide direction and control of state emergency or disaster operations;
(10) Determine the need for, maintain information regarding, and procure materials, supplies, equipment, facilities and services necessary for emergency management;
(11) Make or request copies of studies, surveys or reports of the industries, resources and facilities within this State as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(12) Prepare, for issuance by the Governor, orders, proclamations and regulations as necessary or appropriate in responding to emergencies or disasters, and maintain a memorialized log thereof;
(13) Cooperate with the federal government and any public or private agency or entity in achieving any purpose of this chapter and in implementing programs for emergency management;
(14) Administer grant programs for eligible applicants for emergency management;
(15) Accept and coordinate assistance provided by federal agencies in major disasters in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-288, 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq.), or any amendment or reenactment thereof;
(16) Respond to emergencies or disasters relating to atomic energy operations or radioactive objects or materials;
(17) Provide, from its own stockpiles or other sources, emergency or disaster operational equipment, materials and supplies required and available for essential supplementation of those owned, acquired and used by state, county and local departments and agencies for emergency and disaster operations; and
(18) For the period during which a state of emergency is declared by the Governor, to incur or authorize other state agencies or local governments to incur obligations to purchase or to purchase immediately such materials and supplies as may be necessary to protect the health and safety of persons and property and provide emergency or disaster assistance to victims of a disaster. Such obligations and purchases shall be exempt from bidding provisions required by Chapter 69 of Title 29.
Source: DE Code (Official Site)URL: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title20/c031/sc02/index.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026