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Member, Beacon International Group, Ltd.
NEW YORK—The Risk & Insurance Management Society Inc. is praising the Department of Homeland Security’s adoption of final private-sector emergency preparedness standards.
RIMS has been involved in discussions surrounding the Voluntary Private Sector Accreditation and Certification Preparedness Program since the framework was released in 2007. The three standards, which were developed by the National Fire Protection Assn., the British Standards Institution and ASIS International, are designed to promote business preparedness and continuity in the event of a disaster or unforeseen event.
“Private organizations across the country—from businesses to universities to nonprofit organizations—have a vital role to play in bolstering our disaster preparedness and response capabilities,” DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a Tuesday statement announcing adoption of the standards. “These new standards will provide our private-sector partners with the tools they need to enhance the readiness and resiliency of our nation.”
“RIMS believes very strongly that business continuity and emergency preparedness are a critical component of any organization’s enterprise risk management plan,” Carol Fox, chair of RIMS’ Standards and Practices Committee, said in a statement. “We believe that the standards adopted by DHS allow organizations necessary flexibility in adopting a standard that meets their specific business objectives and budgets.”
The standards are available at www.fema.gov/privatesector/preparedness/adoption_standards.htm.