The Agency
Tennessee state law and the Governor's exeutive authority empowers the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to protect the public from disasters and emergencies.
The foundation for this authority is Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 58-2-101 through TCA 58-2-124.
TEMA is the lead state agency during a State of Emergency and ensures Governor's orders are implemented to protect lives and property until the emergency has passed.