Office of the Adjutant General
2779 Fish Hatchery Road
West Columbia, S.C.  29172

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Joe Farmer, Public Information Director
              Derrec Becker, Public Information Coordinator
              (803) 737-8500

 

S.C. Emergency Management System Achieves National Accreditation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, October 08, 2008, 1:00 PM) – South Carolina’s emergency management system has been granted full, national accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP).  The S.C. Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) received notification of this national certification, which examined this state’s and local government’s abilities to respond to and prepare for disasters.

“SCEMD staff, state agencies and voluntary organizations have worked diligently to improve our capabilities to prepare for and respond to disasters” said Ron Osborne SCEMD Director.  “For over six years, the entire Division staff have researched and reviewed disasters in other states and compiled data on our plans and programs to improve our ability to save lives and protect property in South Carolina.”

The Emergency Management Accreditation Program sets national standards for all aspects of a qualified emergency management program.  SCEMD’s abilities to plan for a disaster, to reduce the impacts of a crisis, and to assist in the state’s recovery from devastation have all been rigorously examined to ensure sixty-three national standards are met by this Division.  S.C.’s emergency management system has demonstrated, through program assessment, documentation and on-site assessment by an independent team, that this state’s program meets these national standards. 

EMAP is a voluntary accreditation process for state, territorial and local government programs that coordinate preparedness and response activities for disasters, from tornadoes to terrorist acts. It recognizes the ability of a state or local government to bring together personnel, resources, and communications from a variety of agencies and organizations in preparation for and in response to an emergency. EMAP is the only accreditation process for state and local emergency management preparedness.

South Carolina is now one of 20 states with a nationally accredited emergency management system.

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For additional information visit www.scemd.org
or call Joe Farmer or Derrec Becker at (803) 737-8500