Emergency management activities in Idaho are coordinated by the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security (formerly the Bureau of Disaster Services). The Bureau was created by the Governor's Executive Order 2003-11 as an agency within the Idaho Military Division, under the direction of the Governor. The Bureau's duties are to:

1. Coordinate state and federal emergency response, recovery and mitigation operations during emergencies and disasters. Provide technical support to local jurisdictions involved in local emergencies and disasters that do not require state human and material resources.
2. Establish and maintain a State Emergency Operations Center for directing the coordination of emergency operations. 
3. Develop and coordinate the preparation and implementation of plans and programs for mitigation to prevent or reduce the harmful consequences of disasters in accordance with section 46-1006(1), Idaho Code. 
4. Ensure state and local preparedness, response and recovery plans are consistent with national plans and programs. Ensure state agency plans are consistent with the state's emergency management goals and procedures.
5. Coordinate mutual support between the state government and federal agencies. 
6. Coordinate all requests from state and local governments for disaster emergency assistance. 

The Governor's Executive Order requires each state agency to appoint at least one representative to train, exercise and participate in the State Emergency Management Program to facilitate emergency support and logistics in response to emergencies and disasters. In the event of an emergency, DEQ's specific responsibilities are to:

1. Assess supplies of potable (drinkable) water and coordinate portable water resources with other state agencies.
2. Assess environmental impact of proposed emergency operations and suggest alternative methods or actions to minimize environmental damage. 
3. Provide staff personnel to work in the State Emergency Operations Center, and/or field support offices. Provide personnel to work in the Disaster Field Office during federally declared disasters. 
4. Develop a plan for use of personnel and equipment on a regional basis. 

In addition, as the state agency delegated responsibility for protecting public health and preserving the state's environment, DEQ is authorized to implement a host of other procedures to address health emergencies. For example, in the event of an air pollution emergency, DEQ is required by Sections 550-562 of the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho, known as the Air Pollution Emergency Rule, to implement a series of increasingly stringent pollution control measures and to keep the public informed of efforts underway. DEQ also works closely with public water systems to assure that plans are in place to protect drinking water supplies and, in the event of contamination, keep the public informed.