When a disaster strikes, Wisconsin Emergency Management is ready to provide assistance. Following a natural or man-made disaster, local officials work through their county emergency management director to contact Wisconsin Emergency Management's 24-hour duty officer system. WEM contacts appropriate state and federal agencies, coordinates any requested state assistance such as National Guard or State Patrol resources and keeps the Governor's office informed. In addition, WEM Regional Directors, Emergency Fire Services, and the Emergency Police Services Deputy Director may respond to the scene to serve as field liaisons for the State Emergency Operations Center.

The first response to a disaster is the job of local government's emergency services with help from nearby municipalities, the state and volunteer agencies. It is the long-term recovery-phase of a disaster that places the most severe financial strain on families, local and state government. In Wisconsin, there is a State Disaster Fund for local governments.

In major events, the Governor may request a federal disaster declaration. If the President approves the Governor's request, federal disaster aid may be available to individuals and/or local governments.