P!Ntools: The 411 on Emergency Management
FEMA isn’t the only big emergency management agency. Here’s a short list of where to find what you need now, in the world of professional emergency management:
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
Online Home: http://www.nemaweb.org/home.aspx
Who they serve: Emergency management directors from all 50 states, eight territories and the District of Columbia.
What they do: Provide national leadership and expertise in comprehensive emergency management; give vital emergency management information and assistance; and advance continuous improvement in emergency management through partnerships, programs and policy positions.
Of note:
- NEMA’s mid-year conference is held March 5-10, 2010, in Alexandria, Va. The 2010 Annual Conference will be held Oct. 17-21, 2010, in Little Rock, Ark.
- Each year, NEMA awards the Lacy E. Suiter Distinguished Service in Emergency Management Award to an outstanding emergency manager. Go here: http://www.nemaweb.org/default.aspx?ID=2107 for more information and to learn about nominating a deserving emergency manager you know.
- Current emergency management job postings from across the country: http://www.nemaweb.org/jobs/default.aspx
Emergency Management Assessment Program (EMAP)
Online Home: http://www.emaponline.org
Who they serve: State and local emergency management departments, divisions or offices responsible for emergency management functions in the United States only.
What they do: Assessment and peer review accreditation for government programs responsible for coordinating prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery activities for natural and human-caused disasters.
Of note:
- EMAP also works with the private sector to inform technological and other products that concern emergency management.
- EMAP’s outreach to public officials advocates regional preparedness activities. To learn more about EMAP’s message to elected and appointed officials, go to: http://bit.ly/EMAPpoliticians
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)
Online Home: http://www.emacweb.org
Who they serve: The entire United States.
What they do: They are a congressionally ratified organization that provides form and structure to interstate mutual aid. Through EMAC, a disaster impacted state requests and receives assistance from other member states quickly and efficiently.
Click here to download the EMAC Deployment Brochure
Of note:
- EMAC publishes several brochures and manuals at: http://www.emacweb.org/?306 that give first responders (including medical professionals) sage, hard-earned advice about emergency response.
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
Online Home: http://www.iaem.com/index.htm
Who they serve: Emergency management professionals worldwide.
What they do: Give members information, networking and professional opportunities to support them in their work saving lives and protecting property during emergencies and disasters.
Of note:
- IAEM gives scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited college programs pursuing a degree that includes emergency management courses. Know someone who should apply? Go here: http://www.iaem.com/resources/scholarships/application.htm. The deadline is May 14, 2010.
- Also, the IAEM 4th National Emergency Management Summit is March 3-5, 2010, in Washington, DC. Called the “leading forum on disaster, epidemic and terrorism planning, response and recovery,” this year’s media partners are Harvard Health Policy Review and Health Affairs.
