Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) Assessor Cadre
WSEMA Member Brendan McCluskey is an experienced EMAP Assessor and serves as the EMAP Technical Committee Vice-Chair (2024-2027) and EMAP Standard Subcommittee Chair (2024-2027). On this page Brenden lays out process and tips on how to be a successful EMAP Assessor
The ANSI/EMAP 5-2022 Emergency Management Standard is a set of 73 standards by which programs applying for EMAP accreditation are evaluated. The Emergency Management Standard is designed as a tool for continuous improvement as part of the voluntary accreditation process for local, state, federal, higher education and tribal Emergency Management Programs. Accreditation demonstrates, through self-assessment, documentation and peer review, that a program meets national standards for emergency management programs. Tip: Connect with someone who is a current EMAP assessor or accreditation manager. In my experience, EMAP assessors and accreditation managers are eager to share their experiences and knowledge, especially about the benefits of accreditation and the Emergency Management Standard.
EMAP assessors come from varied backgrounds. All EMAP assessors must have the minimum following qualifications to be eligible for entry into the assessor cadre: have three (3) years of experience in an emergency management position; have experience in at least (1) actual emergency operation in which the emergency plan was implemented and participation in an activated emergency operations center requiring implemental operational response procedures; participation in at least one (1) emergency operation, training or exercise event in the last calendar year; be knowledgeable and up-to-date about the principles of comprehensive emergency management; and, provide two (2) references regarding their qualifications from an emergency management division director or equivalent. Tip: You do not need to come from an EMAP-accredited Emergency Management Program to be an assessor.
In addition, EMAP assessors must: abide by the EMAP Code of Conduct; be available for at least one (1) assessment each year calendar year; have no conflict of interest in regard to any aspect of EMAP that might prevent objective review and assessment of an applicant program; be able and willing to serve as a neutral observer; and, satisfactorily complete the EMAP Training Course. Tip: EMAP offers both virtual and in-person training to become an assessor; see https://emap.org/training-course/ for more information.
Familiarize yourself with the Emergency Management Standard, which covers: Program Management, Administration and Finance, and Laws and Authorities; Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Consequence Analysis; Hazard Mitigation; Prevention; Continuity Planning and Procedures; Operational Planning and Procedures; Incident Management; Resource Management, Mutual Aid and Logistics; Communications and Warning; Facilities; Training; Exercises, Evaluations and Corrective Action; and, Emergency Public Education and Information. Tip: the Emergency Management Standard provides an excellent roadmap for all Emergency Management Programs, even if there is no intent to seek accreditation.
The value of accreditation depends, to a large degree, upon the work and credibility of the assessors who conduct on-site assessments of applicant programs. To be meaningful, assessments must be conducted with maturity, objectivity, diplomacy and dedication. Assessors must project a demeanor of professionalism in conduct and appearance and must respect the confidential nature of the task. Contributing to successful service as an assessor are the following traits: initiative, expertise, cooperative spirit, flexibility, analytic approach, writing skill, and tact. Tip: assessment teams are comprised of 5-7 assessors plus an assessment team leader drawn from many different types of Emergency Management Programs across the United States and international locations.
Being a member of the EMAP assessor cadre is a valuable and valued assignment. It puts you together on a team with other emergency manager peers from diverse locations and programs, and sends you to assess programs at all levels: local, county, state, federal; higher education; private sector; healthcare; and international. Being an EMAP assessor is rewarding and helps to increase your own knowledge and experience in emergency management.
If you have questions about becoming an EMAP Assessor, you can reach Brendan at bmccluskey@kingcounty.gov or on LinkedIn
Brendan McCluskey, EMAP Assessor – 15+ years
