SACRAMENTO – Ensuring the highest standards of emergency management programs, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has received its third consecutive accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) following accreditation in 2012, and reaccreditation in 2017.
As one of only four states to receive this accreditation since 2021, this intense review of 66 required national standards across 16 areas is one part of the commitment by Cal OES to ensure California is the most prepared state in the country.
“This accreditation reiterates what so many Californians already know is that our state leads the nation in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters of all types. Through the rigorous process of EMAP review, we can further improve the efforts by which we serve the people of our state,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward.
As the state’s leadership hub during all major emergencies and disasters, Cal OES oversees and coordinates California’s State Emergency Plan to better respond, direct and coordinate state and federal resources and mutual aid assets across all regions to support the diverse communities across the state.
EMAP is the only accreditation process for emergency management programs in the world. Participation in this voluntary standard, assessment, and accreditation program for organizations ensures a compliance worldwide.
EMAP measures compliance with 66 standards in 16 areas, including planning; resource management; training, exercises, evaluations, and corrective actions; communications and warning; and administration. Accreditation demonstrates, through self-assessment, documentation, and peer review, that California complies with standards certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).