Press Release  Massachusetts’ Emergency Management Program Receives National Reaccreditation

FRAMINGHAM — The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Emergency Management Program has received full reaccreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), signifying that the Commonwealth’s Emergency Management Program, led by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), meets or exceeds national standards for emergency management.

“Our Emergency Management Program is key to protecting lives, property, and infrastructure during times of crisis,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By guiding our prevention, preparation, response, and recovery efforts, this program is a framework for confronting the modern hazards that can arise without warning at any time and in any place.  I want to commend MEMA staff and leadership for all their work making Massachusetts more resilient and consistently meeting the high standards necessary for EMAP accreditation.”

“The reaccreditation of the Emergency Management Program signifies Massachusetts’ ongoing commitment to emergency planning and response,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Thanks to the dedication of the team at MEMA, the Commonwealth’s residents and communities can rely on an Emergency Management Program that meets EMAP standards.”

This is the program’s second reaccreditation by the independent body since Massachusetts’ initial accreditation in 2006.

“Independent evaluation is important and affirms that the Commonwealth continues to strengthen a comprehensive emergency management program that meets sixty-four industry-recognized standards,” said MEMA Director Samantha Phillips.  “Reaccreditation recognizes our ability to convene our partners and work collaboratively in preparation for, and in response to, a disaster of any type.”

EMAP is a voluntary national accreditation process for state, territorial, and local government programs and included a peer-review on-site assessment by a team of EMAP trained assessors. The accreditation process evaluates emergency management programs on compliance with requirements in sixteen areas, including planning; resource management; training; exercises, evaluations, and corrective actions; communications and warning; and administration. This forms the foundation of the nation’s emergency preparedness system. EMAP is the only accreditation process for emergency management programs.

“MEMA’s oversight of the Emergency Management Program has been outstanding and EMAP reaccreditation reflects that,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Thomas Turco. “Whether the hazard is natural or manmade, we’re better equipped to confront it thanks to their efforts.”

About MEMA

MEMA is the state agency charged with ensuring the state is prepared to withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters, including natural hazards, accidents, deliberate attacks, and technological and infrastructure failures. MEMA's staff of professional planners, communications specialists and operations and support personnel is committed to an all hazards approach to emergency management. By building and sustaining effective partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies, and with the private sector - individuals, families, non-profits and businesses - MEMA ensures the Commonwealth's ability to rapidly recover from large and small disasters by assessing and mitigating threats and hazards, enhancing preparedness, ensuring effective response, and strengthening our capacity to rebuild and recover. For additional information about MEMA and Emergency Preparedness, go to www.mass.gov/mema.

Follow MEMA updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MassEMA; Facebook at www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA; YouTube at www.youtube.com/MassachusettsEMA.

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