The Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) granted the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) full accreditation, making the county one in 45 nationwide and the only local jurisdiction in the state to receive this award.
EMAP assessors reviewed the management program’s compliance documents that demonstrated 66 industry-recognized standards, according to a Montgomery County press release. Accreditation is recognized when the program is ready to respond to disasters using personnel, resources and communication between various organizations.
“It is not a surprise that out of over 3,000 counties nationwide, our OEMHS is one of only 45 jurisdictions to achieve this accreditation,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in the press release. “I am very proud and appreciative of the hard work and dedication of these employees. They vigilantly protect our residents during emergencies as well as prepare our communities for potential disasters. This department is essential to the success of our life-saving, public safety efforts and goals.”
Montgomery County has again been accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, recognizing compliance with all 66 industry standards.
Thank you to all of our partners who continue to make emergency management & preparedness a priority. ℹ️: https://t.co/0a9lDwg0Ik pic.twitter.com/946OEDAtUI
— Montgomery Co OEMHS (@ReadyMontgomery) February 4, 2022
The accreditation expires in five years and the program is reassessed to maintain the status, according to the press release. Montgomery County last received the accreditation in 2015.
“The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security coordinates and collaborates with many County departments to better prepare, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from disaster or emergencies,” OEMHS Acting Director Marianne Souders said in the press release. “Montgomery County is honored to be again accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program and to remain part of such an exclusive club.”
Featured photo credit @ReadyMontgomery on Twitter.
