Comment Period Open for Title IX Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program

The Department of Homeland Security has posted a Federal Register notice seeking public comments about the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program. The program is mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to establish a common set of criteria for private sector preparedness, including disaster management, emergency management, and business continuity programs. The goal of this voluntary program is to enhance nationwide resilience in an all hazards environment by improving private sector preparedness.

DHS has posted the Federal Register notice at http://www.regulations.gov/. (Identify Docket ID FEMA-2008-0017.) Comments may be submitted to http://www.regulations.gov or FEMA-POLICY@dhs.gov.

For more information on the program, check out the "Resources" page of the Preparedness, LLC website. It includes links to Public Law 110-53, the ANAB Accreditation Program, NFPA 1600 (the standard recommended by the 9/11 Commission and under consideration for this program), and presentations on what it all means.

I will be testifying on behalf of the National Fire Protection Association at the January 13 hearing in Washington, DC. I will provide updates on the program as information becomes available.