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Summary: Training and Accreditation for Emergency Managers in the USA

The presentation will start with an introduction of the new American Standard on "Emergency/Disaster Management & Business Continuity Programs" (NFPA 1600). Using the example of a recent fire catastrophe in Europe, the necessity of a comprehensive disaster program will be displayed.

The CEM Program, a recognized directive in the US for emergency managers in the public and private sectors, confirms that the professional has the knowledge and ability to coordinate preparedness, response, and recovery activities in complex situations. CEM is administered through IAEM (International Association of Emergency Managers), a non-profit organization of more than 2,000 emergency management professionals from local, state, and federal levels of government, military, private industry, and volunteer organizations.

IAEM, together with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and NEMA (National Emergency Management Association), is a sponsor of the new EMAP (Emergency Management Accreditation Program). EMAP is the latest step in an effort to build disaster resistant communities through an organized volunteer movement in public sector entities (city, county, state, specific jurisdictions) in compliance with emergency management standards as described in NFPA 1600.

Gunnar J. Kuepper, the presenter, is a recognized leader in the international disaster management community. He will provide an inside look into the existing certification and accreditation programs. He is in the unique position of being an appointed member of the national standard making committee, an elected member of the IAEM board, and has most recently undergone training as an EMAP assessor. His goal is to support other institutions throughout the world to implement such programs that have been customized to their specific needs in an effort to better combat the "disaster dragon."