ST. LOUIS – Col. Anthony Mitchell, St. Louis District Commander, received formal emergency management program accreditation for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District.
“Emergency management accreditation represents a significant achievement,” said EMAP Commission chairperson, Barb Graff. “Accreditation recognizes the ability of programs to bring together personnel, resources, and communications in preparation for and in response to a disaster of any type.”
EMAP is an assessment and accreditation organization for disaster preparedness programs throughout the country. The State of Missouri and State of Illinois, which work closely with the Corps, also have EMAP accreditation. EMAP fosters excellence and accountability in emergency management programs, by establishing credible standards applied in a peer-reviewed accreditation process. The program was created by a group of national organizations to promote continuous improvement in emergency management capabilities. It provides emergency management programs the opportunity to be recognized for their compliance with industry standards, to demonstrate accountability, and to focus attention on areas and issues where resources are needed.
In October, the St. Louis District became the seventh Corps of Engineers District nationwide and first in the Mississippi Valley Division to receive national accreditation for emergency management by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. To achieve accreditation, the St. Louis District had to document compliance with 64 industry recognized standards and complete an on-site assessment with EMAP trained assessors. The EMAP assessment team was able to see the St. Louis District emergency management plan in action during their visit. The assessment took place in June during a major flood event. In October 2015, the EMAP Program Review Committee recommended the St. Louis District for accreditation to the EMAP Commission, which voted and approved accreditation.
“The key part about EMAP accreditation is that it is not just a one-time event. This is now a part of the St. Louis District’s business process,” said Matt Hunn, St. Louis District Corps of Engineers, Chief of Emergency Operations. “EMAP accreditation recognizes the dedication and commitment the St. Louis District has to keeping our local communities and residents safe.”
For more information visit www.mvs.usace.army.mil, facebook.com/teamsaintlouis, twitter.com/teamsaintlouis, and http://www.emaponline.org/.
Release no. 15-060