If not, it certainly can be by receiving accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP). EMAP is considered the “gold seal” among organizations involved in the prevention of, mitigation against, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and emergencies. This includes state, local, tribal emergency management agencies; federal and international programs; higher education institutions; and private sector organizations.

EMAP, an independent, non-profit organization, fosters excellence and accountability in emergency management and homeland security programs by establishing credible standards applied in a peer review accreditation process. The process evaluates emergency management programs on compliance with requirements in sixteen areas. Among them are planning; resource management; training; exercises, evaluations, and corrective actions; communications and warning; and administration.

Things to know about EMAP:

  1. EMAP defines “emergency management” in the broadest sense, meaning it encompasses all organizations with emergency/disaster functions in a jurisdiction, rather than only one agency or department.
  2. There are five steps to the EMAP accreditation process. Though rigorous, many organizations have followed these steps and obtained this completely voluntary, but highly regarded certification.
  3. To achieve accreditation, applicants must demonstrate through self-assessment, documentation and peer assessment verification that its program meets the