On June 15, 2010, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the adoption of the final standards for the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep)—a major milestone in DHS' implementation of a program recommended by the 9/11 Commission to improve private sector preparedness for disasters and emergencies. 

"Private organizations across the country—from businesses to universities to non-profit organizations—have a vital role to play in bolstering our disaster preparedness and response capabilities," said Secretary Napolitano. "These new standards will provide our private sector partners with the tools they need to enhance the readiness and resiliency of our nation." 

PS-Prep is a partnership between DHS and the private sector that enables private entities to receive emergency preparedness certification from a DHS accreditation system created in coordination with the private sector. 

Participation in the PS-Prep program is completely voluntary. No private sector entity will be required by DHS to comply with any standard adopted under the program. However, DHS encourages all private sector entities to seriously consider seeking certification on one or more standards that will be adopted by DHS.

FEMA Private Sector Preparedness:  http://www.fema.gov/privatesector/preparedness

New York University – The International Center for Enterprise Preparedness (Intercep) http://www.nyu.edu/intercep 

Three standards, for guidance in meeting certification requirements —developed by the National Fire Protection Association, the British Standards Institution and ASIS International—were adopted as the final standards was published in a Federal Register notice June 15, 2010. 

1. ASIS International, “Organizational Resilience: Security Preparedness, and Continuity Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use,” ASIS SPC. 1-2009 (2009 Edition)  http://www.asisonline.org/documents/downloadPDF.php?document=guidelines/ASIS_SPC.1-2009_Item_No._1842.pdf (free download) 
   
2. British Standards Institution, Business Continuity Management Part 1: Code of Practice for Business Continuity Management, “ BS 25999-1: 2006 (2006 Edition);and “Business Continuity Management Part 2: Specification for Business Continuity Management,” BS 25999-2: 2007 (2007 Edition). http://shop.bsigroup.com/en/ProductDetail/?pid=000000000030157563 
   
3. National Fire Protection Association, “Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs,” NFPA-1600 (2007 and 2010 Editions). http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/NFPA16002010.pdf(free download)

Clas Consulting’s Consultants can help your company prepare for PS-Preparedness. With Certified Emergency Managers and Certified Business Continuity Professionals leading your team, our consultants will facilitate and guide your efforts. We can lead you through all phases of program development, training, exercise and or improvement planning and maintenance. Our services include gap analysis, planning team facilitation, etc.