Our email newsletter offers timely insight into preparedness topics of interest.
References & Resources
Implementing NFPA 1600 National Preparedness Standard
"Implementing NFPA 1600 National Preparedness Standard," a handbook edited and coauthored by Donald L. Schmidt, has been published by NFPA. This authoritative new manual explains how to develop an emergency management and business continuity program in compliance with NFPA 1600, the standard adopted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Along with the full text of NFPA 1600, "Implementing NFPA 1600" contains the practical, hands-on guidance business owners, managers, and consultants need.
Chapters cover the essential elements of an emergency management and business continuity program including program management, risk assessment, hazard prevention, risk mitigation, resource management, planning for emergencies, business continuity planning, crisis communications, incident management, training, drills, exercises, and program evaluation.
U.S. Laws & Regulations
Regulations.gov
Regulations.gov, Regulations.gov is your one-stop Web site to find, view, and comment on Federal regulations and other Federal actions.
Occupational Safety & Health
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart E – Means of Egress (Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119, Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151, Medical Services and First Aid
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L - Fire Protection
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.156, Fire Brigades
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.165, Employee Alarm Systems
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication
- Principal Emergency Response and Preparedness Requirements and Guidance, OSHA 3122
- Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines, OSHA 2254
Americans with Disabilities Act
Executive Order #13347
- Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page, U. S. Department of Justice
- ADA Standards, ADA standards govern the construction and alteration of places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and state and local government facilities. The Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains ADA standards that apply to all ADA facilities except transportation facilities, which are subject to similar standards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
- ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities
- Executive Order #13347, Individuals with Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness
Environmental Laws and Regulations
- U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Laws, Regulations, Guidance and Dockets (search by topic, business sector, federal region, or state), Policy and Guidance (EPCRA, Facility Response Plan, Integrated Contingency Plan, Risk Management Plan, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule, etc.)
- Laws and regulations related to EPA's Emergency Management Program.
- 40 CFR 355, Emergency Planning and Notification
- 40 CFR 370, Hazardous Chemical Reporting: Community Right-to-Know
- 40 CFR 68, Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions
- Risk Management Plan, Under the authority of section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act, the Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions require facilities that produce, handle, process, distribute, or store certain chemicals to develop a Risk Management Program.
Title IX of Public Law 110-53
- Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Full Text, 286 pages)
- Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Certification Program Resource Center, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency. DHS/FEMA Fact Sheet
- ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (Selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to operate the program to accredit and certify private sector entities for preparedness.)
State Laws, Regulations, & Codes
Contact the state to determine safety and health, homeland security, and environmental laws and regulations as well as legally enforceable building, life safety, and fire codes. The application of laws, regulations, and codes vary by type of building, occupancy (how the building or portion of the building is used), occupancy hazards, and size (height and or square footage.)
Links to approved State Occupational Safety and Health Plans are maintained on the OSHA website. Links to state environmental regulations are provided by the U.S. EPA website.
- Good Samaritan, AED Legislation, and Case Law (by state) [Less Stress Instructional Services]
Be sure to determine if there are any county or city ordinances, regulations, or amendments to state adopted codes and standards. Contact your local public agencies including law enforcement, fire department, building official, emergency management agency, or the local administrative offices.
Codes
A code is "a standard that is an extensive compilation of provisions covering broad subject matter or that is suitable for adoption into law independently of other codes and standards." [NFPA]
- NFPA 1: Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association
- International Fire Code, International Code Council, Inc.
- NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 101: Life Safety Code®, National Fire Protection Association
Standards
A standard is a document, which is in a form generally suitable for adoption into law or adoption by a public or private organization. Mandatory provisions are located in the body of the document, and nonmandatory provisions and explanatory material are located in an annex, appendix, footnote, or fine-print note.
Many laws and regulations incorporate standards by referencing them. For example, many Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations incorporate fire protection and life safety requirements by referencing standards published by the National Fire Protection Association. Many states and other political jurisdictions incorporate model codes and standards such as those published by ASTM International, the International Code Council, or NFPA into their building, life safety, and fire prevention codes. Referenced codes and standards then become legal requirements subject to any amendments within the regulation or statutory relief within the enabling legislation.
- NFPA 1600 "Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs", National Fire Protection Association
- CSA Z1600, Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, Canadian Standards Association
- ISO/PAS 22399:2007 Societal security - Guideline for incident preparedness and operational continuity management (purchase required)
- BS 25999-1:2006 Business continuity management. Code of practice, The British Standards Institution (purchase required)
- BS 25999-2:2007 Business continuity management. Specification, The British Standards Institution (purchase required)
- ASIS SPC. 1–2009 "Organizational Resilience: Security Preparedness, and Continuity Management Systems— Requirements with Guidance for Use"
- BS ISO/IEC 27002:2005, BS 7799-1:2005, Standard for an Information Security Management System, The British Standards Institution, (purchase required)
- A Risk Management Standard, The Institute of Risk Management (IRM),The Association of Insurance and Risk Managers (AIRMIC) and ALARM The National Forum for Risk Management in the Public Sector
- Vital Records: Identifying, Managing, and Recovering Business-Critical Records, ARMA International
- IT Standards, Guidelines, and Tools and Techniques for Audit and Assurance and Control Professionals, ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Standards
Ten years ago, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, was signed into law, and implemented using Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-119, “Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities.” NTTAA requires all federal agencies and departments to use technical standards, unless their use is impractical or inconsistent with law. NTTAA is the basis for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adoption of Non-Government Standards (NGS).
- Science & Technology Standards
- Standards for Personal Protective Gear for First Responders
- Standards for Incident Management
Industry/Best/Recommended Practices
Emergency Management
- NFPA 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 600, Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 1006, Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 1081, Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System
- NFPA 1620, Recommended Practice for Pre-Incident Planning, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents , National Fire Protection Association
Business Continuity
- Professional Practices for Business Continuity Planners, DRI International
- Good Practice Guidelines, Business Continuity Institute (UK)
- Contingency Planning Guide for Federal Information Systems, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST Special Publication 800-34 Rev. 1
Legal Perspective on Preparedness
The following articles were written by Professor Denis Binder, Chapman University School of Law. Collectively these articles present the legal perspective on planning for emergencies and disasters as well as the role of statutes, regulations, and standards in planning.
- Emergency Action Plans: A Legal and Practical Blueprint Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail
- The Role of Statutes, Regulations and Professional Standards in Emergency Responses
- Can We Secure the Hallowed Halls of Academe?
Government Agencies
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Emergency Management Institute, Federal Emergency Management Agency
- U. S. Fire Administration
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness & Response
- National Response Center (sole federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical spills)
- National Transportation Safety Board
- U. S. Department of Environmental Protection, Emergency Management
- U. S. Department of Health & Human Services
- U. S. Department of Health & Human Services Disasters and Emergencies
- U. S. Department of Homeland Security
- U. S. Department of Justice
- U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs
- U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime
- U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice
- U. S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Office of Hazardous Materials Safety
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Food Safety and Inspection Service
- State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management
- State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) Contacts [Environmental]
- State Homeland Security/Emergency Management Organizations
- Public Safety Canada
- UK Resilience, This website exists to provide a resource for civil protection practitioners, supporting the work which goes on across the United Kingdom to improve emergency preparedness.
Organizations
- American Red Cross (ARC)
- Association of Contingency Planners (ACP)
- ASTM International (ASTM)
- Business Executives for National Security (BENS)
- Business Network of Emergency Resources, Inc., BNET is a not-for-profit company dedicated to establishing practical and effective emergency and crisis management solutions through partnerships between the public and private sector.
- Business Roundtable, Partnership for Disaster Response
- Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP)
- Citizen Corps, DHS/FEMA
- Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Corporate Emergency Access Systems, CEAS is a pre-event credentialing program, which authenticates critical business employees for access to restricted areas following a disaster or serious emergency using a secure identification card recognized by the police.
- DRI (Disaster Recovery Institute) International (DRII)
- Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA)
- Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
- International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
- International Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Association (ICPTEDA)
- Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT)
- Mid Atlantic Disaster Recovery Association (MADRA)
- National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- National Organization on Disability
- NorthEast Disaster Recovery Information X-Change (NEDRIX)
- RAND Corporation, For over 30 years, RAND has been a world leader in terrorism research and analysis. As a public service, RAND disseminates all unclassified research as printed documents or online.
- United Nations APELL Programme, APELL is a programme developed by United Nations Environment Programme in conjunction with governments and industry with the purpose of minimising the occurrence and harmful effects of technological accidents and environmental emergencies. The strategy of the APELL approach is to identify and create awareness of risks in an industrialised community, to initiate measures for risk reduction and mitigation, and to develop co-ordinated preparedness between the industry, the local authorities and the local population. APELL Process, Publications, Disasters
Information Sharing & Analysis Centers
- Information Sharing and Analysis Centers Council
- Electricity Sector Information Sharing and Analysis Center
- Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center
- Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center
- Information Technology - Information Sharing and Analysis Center
- Homeland Security Information Network, HSIN is a comprehensive, nationally secure and trusted web-based platform able to facilitate Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) information sharing and collaboration between federal, state, local, tribal, private sector, and international partners.
- InfraGard, InfraGard is an information sharing and analysis partnership between the FBI and the private sector.
Lessons Learned & Case Studies
- Lessons Learned Information Sharing, U. S. Department of Homeland Security
- U. S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The CSB website provides reports on current and completed investigations as well as videos.
- U.S. Fire Administration Technical Report Series
- OSHA Compliance Assistance: Success Stories and Case Studies, Occupational Safety & health Administration
- Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Division of Safety Research. The FACE program concentrates on investigations of fatal occupational injuries.
- Flash Flood Case Studies, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education & Training
Online & Print Periodicals
- Adjusting Today, Adjusting Today helps insurance agents, brokers, risk managers, attorneys, business owners and other business professionals keep current with critical issues affecting property damage and business interruption claims. Articles are written from a policyholder's perspective and include real-life examples intended to improve disaster preparedness.
- Continuity Central
- Continuity Insights
- Continuity Magazine, The BCI publishes Continuity magazine six times a year which contains articles and papers on business continuity management.
- Disaster Recovery Journal
- Disaster-Resource.com
- Emergency Management
- NFPA Journal, National Fire Protection Association
Resource Management
Online Directories of Products & Services
- Disaster-Resource.com (click on the "Products & Services" at the top of the page)
- NFPA Journal Buyers' Guide
- Private Sector Resources Catalog, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2010 May (52 pp.)
- Security Industry Buyers Guide
Communications & Warning
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L 1910.165, Employee Alarm Systems
- NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, National Fire Protection Association
- The Emergency Email Network, Inc., free public service "Get Notified of an Emergency by Email, Cell, Pager"
Risk Assessment
Also see "Hazards" and "Prevention & Mitigation"
Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 201: Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Guide, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, April 2012. CPG 201 provides a five-step process for conducting a Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment. Developing an understanding of its risks from natural, technological, and human-caused threats and hazards, allows a community to make informed decisions about how to manage risk and develop needed capabilities.
Hazards
Also see "Prevention & Mitigation"
Cyber/Information Technology
- CERT Coordination Center
- Network Information Security & Technology
- Computer Security Resource Center, Special Publications (800 Series), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Security Division
- Guide for Conducting Risk Assessments, NIST Special Publication 800-30, Revision 1, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Security Division
- Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Implementation Project
- Sans Institute
- United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, IT Security Essential Body of Knowledge (EBK)
- Resource Kit for National Cyber Security Awareness Month
- OnGuard Online, Federal Trade Commission
- Internet Security Essentials for Business, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Internet Safety Toolkit, U.S. Chamber and Microsoft Trustworthy Computing
Environmental
- Risk Assessment Portal, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This site provides basic information about environmental risk assessments for the public. Additionally, the site offers a comprehensive set of links to key EPA tools, guidance and guidelines.
Pandemic Disease
Pandemic Preparedness Program
We can help you develop your pandemic preparedness program:
- Define roles, responsibilities, authorities, and tasks for each WHO pandemic phase
- Address personal hygiene and infection control
- Identify, and develop strategies to sustain, essential employees
- Develop risk communication strategies
- Write a plan document and provide training
If you need assistance, please contact us.
- World Health Organization (WHO), Disease Outbreak News
- Flu.gov, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Business Planning
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Guide for Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, U. S. Department of Homeland Security (84 pages)
- Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic, OSHA 3327, What Employers Can Do to Protect Workers from Pandemic Influenza, OSHA Fact Sheet, Respiratory Infection Control Respirators Versus Surgical Masks , OSHA Fact Sheet, How to Protect Yourself in the Workplace during a Pandemic, OSHA Quick Card
- Influenza Pandemic: Continuity Planning Guide for Canadian Business, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
- Hand washing and "Cover Your Cough" information from Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Pandemic Preparedness, Preparedness, LLC eNewsletter
Natural Hazards [Meteorological, Geological]
- Natural Hazards Center, at the University of Colorado at Boulder
- FEMA Mapping Information Platform
Earthquake
- United States Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards information
- Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook. Second Edition, FEMA 154
- Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage: A Practical Guide, FEMA 74
- Handbook of Techniques for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings, FEMA 172
Flood
- Flood Preparedness, Preparedness, LLC eNewsletter
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center
- National Weather Service River Forecast Centers
- Association of State Flood Plain Managers
- Flash Flood Case Studies, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education & Training
- Response/Recovery, U. S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (links to fact sheets, "QuickCards," safety & health guides, and other resources to protect workers in the aftermath of a flood)
Hurricane
Hurricane
Preparedness
We can help you develop your hurricane preparedness and response plan:
- Conduct a hurricane risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for risk mitigation
- Define roles, responsibilities, authorities, and tasks for hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery
- Identify the resources needed for preparedness and recovery; evaluate the adequacy of existing resources
- Write a phased hurricane preparedness and response plan
- Conduct training and facilitate exercises to familiarize personnel with the plan
If you need assistance, please contact us.
- Hurricane Preparedness, Flood Preparedness, Preparedness, LLC eNewsletters
- National Weather Service: National Hurricane Center, Publications, Tropical Cyclone Advisory Mailing Lists, Hurricane Preparedness, Online School for Tropical Weather, The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (Experimental)
- Natural Hazards Center, at the University of Colorado at Boulder
- Hurricane, Federal Emergency Management Agency (educational and preparedness information)
- Historical Hurricane Tracks, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coastal Services Center (interactive mapping application that allows you to easily search and display Atlantic Basin and Eastern North Pacific Basin tropical cyclone data)
- The Deadliest, Costliest, and Most Intense United States Tropical Cyclones From 1851-2007, National Weather Service, Tropical Prediction Center
- Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Forecast, The Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University (Professors William M Gray and Philip J. Klotzbach)
- Tropical Storm Risk, (resource for forecasting the risk from tropical storms worldwide; includes seasonal forecasts)
- National Hurricane Survival Initiative, (public- private partnership to educate hurricane-vulnerable individuals)
- Hurricanes: The Greatest Storms on Earth, NASA's Earth Observatory (multi-page series on the meteorology of hurricanes)
- Community Hurricane Preparedness, [computer-based learning], provides emergency managers and decision makers with basic information about how hurricanes form, hazards they pose, how the NWS forecasts future hurricane behavior, and the tools and guiding principles to help emergency managers prepare their communities
- Response/Recovery, U. S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (links to fact sheets, "QuickCards," safety & health guides, and other resources to protect workers in the aftermath of a flood)
Landslide
- United States Geological Survey Landslide Hazards Program
- The Landslide Handbook—A Guide to Understanding Landslides, Lynn M. Highland, United States Geological Survey, and Peter Bobrowsky, Geological Survey of Canada
Volcanoes
- Volcano Hazards Program, U.S. Geological Survey
- Volcanoes, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Response
Tsunami
Weather
- National Weather Service
- National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center
- National Severe Storms Laboratory
- National Climatic Data Center
- Intellicast.com, Interactive weather maps, watches and warnings, and weather alerts
- Preparing for Arctic Freeze & Winter Storms, Preparedness, LLC eNewsletter
- Prepare for Cold Weather, CNA
Thunderstorms & Lightning
- NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory: Thunderstorm Basics, Damaging Winds Basics - Winds from thunderstorms, Hail Basics, Lightning Basics
- Lightning Safety, National Weather Service
- National Lightning Safety Institute, non-product advocate of lightning safety for people and structures
- Struckbylightning.org
- Personal Security: Lightning Safety Tips (thanks to Mrs. Donovan's science class)
- Lightning Information & Safety for Kids
- Lightning Protection Institute, Review "Personal Lightning Safety" and "Structural Lightning Safety" pages
- Review the Prevention & Mitigation Resources for protection from natural hazards and for resources for the protection of computer data centers and information technology equipment.
- Review "Property Loss Prevention" Resources for a link to FM Global Data Sheets (Download DS 5-11 "Lightning and Surge Protection.")
- Thunderstorms, Lightning & Tornadoes, Flood Preparedness, Preparedness, LLC eNewsletters
Tornadoes
- National Severe Storms Laboratory, FAQ, Tornado Basics, Tornado Safety, (The National Severe Storms Laboratory serves the nation by working to improve the lead time and accuracy of severe weather warnings and forecasts in order to save lives and reduce property damage.)
- National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Tornado FAQ, Monthly and Annual U.S. Tornado Summaries, Enhanced F Scale for Tornado Damage
- Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Lightning... Nature's Most Violent Storms, A Preparedness Guide, NOAA, National Weather Service
- Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms, FEMA 361
- Tornado Protection: Selecting Refuge Area in Buildings, FEMA 431
- Thunderstorms, Lightning & Tornadoes, Preparedness, LLC eNewsletters
Terrorism [Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives]
- FEMA 452 - Methodology for Preparing Threat Assessments for Commercial Buildings
- Business at Risk: How to Assess, Mitigate, and Respond to Terrorist Threats, The National Underwriter Co., Cincinnati, OH
- McGraw-Hill Homeland Security Handbook, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
- Harmonized Threat and Risk Assessment Methodology, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (links to individual Word documents that make up the PDF file can be accessed here.)
Workplace Violence
- Dealing with Workplace Violence: A Guide for Agency Planners, United States Office of Personnel Management
- Workplace Violence—Issues in Response, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Prevention & Mitigation
Also see "Hazards"
Property Loss Prevention
- FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets "FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets are engineering guidelines written to help reduce the chance of property loss due to fire, weather conditions and failure of electrical or mechanical equipment, and incorporate loss experience, research results, input from consensus standards committees, equipment manufacturers and others."
- NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention
- NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems
- Structural Lightning Safety, National Lightning Safety Institute
- Loss Prevention & Engineering Services, Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. (Equipment Start-Up, Shutdown & Maintenance, Maintenance Fact Sheets)
Natural Hazards
- Integrating Manmade Hazards into Mitigation Planning, FEMA 386-7
- Protect Your Property from High Winds, Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage, FEMA E-74 (also available as PDF download)
- National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program Training Courses and Associated Materials
Physical & Operational Security
- NFPA 730, Guide for Premises Security, National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 731, Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems, National Fire Protection Association.
- Site Security Guidelines for U.S. Chemical Industry, American Chemistry Council, Chlorine Institute, Inc., and Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association, October 2001.
- Private Security Officer Selection, Training and Licensing Guidelines, International Association of Chiefs of Police
- Mail Center Security Guide, United States Postal Service, Publication 166
- Best Practices for Safe Mail Handling, Interagency Security Committee (DHS)
- Dealing with Workplace Violence: A Guide for Agency Planners, United States Office of Personnel Management
- Workplace Violence—Issues in Response, Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Physical security guides and reports. Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Information Technology/Computer Security
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Security Division, Computer Security Resource Center, Special Publications (800 Series).
- Information Security Handbook: A Guide for Managers, National Institute of Standards and Technology, SP 800-100
- Risk Management Guide for Information Technology Systems, National Institute of Standards and Technology, SP 800-30
- Generally Accepted Principles and Practices for Securing Information Technology Systems, National Institute of Standards and Technology, SP 800-14
- An Introduction to Computer Security: The NIST Handbook, National Institute of Standards and Technology, SP 800-12
- NFPA 75, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment
Terrorism
- FEMA 426 - Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings
- FEMA 427 - Primer for Design of Commercial Buildings to Mitigate Terrorist Attacks
- FEMA 430 - Site and Urban Design for Security: Guidance against Potential Terrorist Attacks
- FEMA 459 - Incremental Protection for Existing Commercial Buildings from Terrorists Attack: Providing Protection to People and Buildings
- Protecting Buildings From a Biological or Chemical Attack: Actions to Take Before or During a Release, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory PUB-51959, January 10, 2003
- Guidance for Filtration and Air-Cleaning Systems to Protect Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Air Handling Systems, Guidance for Filtration and Air-Cleaning Systems to Protect Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pub No. 2003-136, April, 2003
- Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Publication No. 2002-139, 2002
Emergency Planning
- Ready Business, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA 141, 1993 (67 pages) [good document at the time it was published]
- Emergency Preparedness, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Special Events
- Planned Special Events Traffic Management, U. S. Dept. of Transportation
- IS-15.A Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies, Independent Study Course, Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies Job Aids Manual, Federal Emergency Management Agency (257 pages)
- The Event Safety Guide, Health & Safety Executive, UK (may require purchase)
Planning for Persons with Disabilities, Special, or Functional Needs
- Disability.gov, Quick links, news, events, and search tools on emergency preparedness
- Interim Emergency Management Planning Guide for Special Needs Populations, Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 301, Federal Emergency Management Agency and DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
- Fact Sheet on Obtaining and Using Employee Medical Information as Part of Emergency Evacuation Procedures, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- People with disabilities, Resources from the National Fire Protection Association including Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide For People with Disabilities and other resources.
- Emergency Procedures for Employees with Disabilities in Office Occupancies, U.S. Fire Administration
- National Council on Disability, Emergency management findings and recommendations
- Emergency Preparedness Initiative, National Organization on Disability
- Employers’ Guide to Including Employees with Disabilities in Emergency Evacuation Plans, Job Accommodation Network (U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy)
- Orientation Manual for First Responders on the Evacuation of People with Disabilities, FEMA, FA-235
- U.S. Access Board Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Protective Actions for Life Safety (Evacuation, Lockdown, Shelter-in-Place)
- Protective Actions for Life Safety, Preparedness, LLC eNewsletter (provides guidance on evacuation, lockdown, sheltering, and shelter-in-place)
- Emergency Evacuation Preparedness Guide, Western University of Health Sciences
- Evacuation Planning Matrix, Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool, Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- Design Guidance for Shelters and Safe Rooms, FEMA 453
- Shelter-In-Place Information, National Institute for Chemical Studies
Hazard/Threat Specific Guidance
Bomb Threats & Suspicious Packages
- Protecting Buildings From a Biological or Chemical Attack: Actions to Take Before or During a Release, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory PUB-51959, January 10, 2003
- CDC Recommendations for Protecting Workers from Exposure to Bacillus anthracis in Work Sites Where Mail Is Handled or Processed, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Business at Risk: How to Assess, Mitigate, and Respond to Terrorist Threats, The National Underwriter Co., Cincinnati, OH
Fire
(Review fire codes for emergency planning requirements.)
- NFPA 600, Standard on Industrial Fire Brigades
- NFPA 601, Standard for Security Services in Fire Loss Prevention
- NFPA 1081, Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart L - Fire Protection
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.156 Fire Brigades
- Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Publication 3256-07N
Hazardous Materials
(Review fire codes for emergency planning requirements.)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119, Process Safety Management Guidelines for Compliance, OSHA 3133 (PDF)
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
- NFPA 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents
- Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide (NRT-1), U.S. National Response Team
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, OSHA 3114
- Guidelines for HazMat/WMD Response, Planning and Prevention Training, U. S. Department of Homeland Security
- National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center, U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Policy and Guidance (EPCRA, Facility Response Plan, Integrated Contingency Plan, Risk Management Plan, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule, etc.)
- National Response Center (The NRC is the sole federal point of contact for reporting oil and chemical spills. If you have a spill to report, contact us via our toll-free number or check out our Web Site for additional information on reporting requirements and procedures. For those without 800 access, please contact us at 202.267.2675. The NRC operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.)
- Emergency Response Guidebook, U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, (includes links to download the guide, data files, mobile software, and many other hazardous materials related resources)
- WISER (Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders) WISER is a system designed to assist first responders in hazardous material incidents. WISER provides a wide range of information on hazardous substances, including substance identification support, physical characteristics, human health information, and containment and suppression advice. Links to web-based information and downloadable software for PDAs.
- Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level: a Process for Responding to Technological Accidents, The APELL Handbook, published by the United Nations Environment Programme Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Branch, provides the basic concepts for the development of emergency response plans at the local level, with an emphasis on community awareness of potential dangers and preparedness for all contingencies.
Medical
- Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, American Heart Association
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), Safety and Health Topics pages by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration
- 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Bloodborne pathogens, Occupational Safety & Health Administration regulation
- Model Plans and Programs for the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazard Communications Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Publication 3186
- Good Samaritan, AED Legislation, and Case Law (by state) [Commercial site: Less Stress Instructional Services]
Natural Disasters
- Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental considerations when planning and preparing for natural disasters and response and recovery after)
Rescue
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, Permit-Required Confined Spaces
- NFPA 1006, Standard for Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications
- NFPA 1670, Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents
Workplace Violence
- Active Shooter: How to Respond, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Dealing with Workplace Violence: A Guide for Agency Planners, United States Office of Personnel Management
- Workplace Violence—Issues in Response, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Business Continuity
Professional Practices & Certification
- Professional Practices for Business Continuity Professionals, DRI International
- Good Practice Guidelines, Business Continuity Institute (UK)
- Professional Certification, DRI International
Planning Resources
- Open for Business® Toolkit, Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
- Ready Business, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Continuity Guidance Circular 1, Continuity Guidance for Non-Federal Entities, Federal Emergency Management Agency, CGC 1, January 2009
- Business Continuity Planning Booklet, Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, March 2008 edition (132 pages)
- Preparing for a Disaster (Taxpayers and Businesses), U. S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service
- Business Continuity Management Practice Guide, Financial Services Authority, UK
- Disaster Recovery Journal, Sample Plans, Outlines and other Plan writing resources
- Vital Records and Records Disaster Mitigation and Recovery: An Instructional Guide, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
- Important Versus Vital Records, Iron Mountain (registration required to access)
- Continuity Assistance Tool (CAT) Continuity Assistance for Non-Federal Entities, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (July 2009)
- Continuity of Operations, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Information Technology
- Contingency Planning Guide for Federal Information Systems, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST Special Publication 800-34 Rev. 1
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Computer Security Division, Computer Security Resource Center, Special Publications (800 Series).
- Guide to Test, Training, and Exercise Programs for IT Plans and Capabilities, Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Publication 800-84
- Building An Information Technology Security Awareness and Training Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Publication 800-50
- BS ISO/IEC 27002:2005, BS 7799-1:2005, Standard for an Information Security Management System, The British Standards Institution, (purchase required)
- IT Standards, Guidelines, and Tools and Techniques for Audit and Assurance and Control Professionals, ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
Crisis Communications
Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc., a partner of Preparedness, LLC, is a national consultancy that not only provides 24/7 crisis response and reputation management (online and offline), but also provides a wide range of preparedness services, including media training (live and webcam-based), large- and small-group “Crisis Management Basic Training” and crisis communications plans. BCM publishes a free semi-monthly newsletter, “Crisis Manager,” and offers a variety of crisis management training materials for sale.
- Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Communicating in Crisis: Risk Communication Guidelines for Public Officials, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- Communicating with the Public, Business Roundtable Partnership for Disaster Response
- Speak First: Communicating Effectively in Times of Crisis and Uncertainty, National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) "...practical training for building the skills to deliver first messages in the early hours of a crisis. Learn what you need to know, how to sharpen your skills, and how to teach others how to master these best practices." (free CD ROM)
Recovery
- Disaster Recovery Resources, DiasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov (links to government disaster assistance and recovery resources)
Human Resources/Critical Incident Stress
- Helping Employees Affected by a Disaster Guide, Business Roundtable, Partnership for Disaster Response
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Psychological First Aid: Field Operations Guide, National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
- Workplace Critical Incident Resources, Employee Assistance Professionals Association
Relocation & Telecommuting
- GSA's Recommended Methodology for Securing Alternate Facilities and Worksheet, U.S. General Services Administration
- The Telework Coalition, (America’s leading nonprofit telework education and advocacy organization)
Facility Repair
Repair of Wind Damaged Roof Systems, FM Global Data Sheet 1-30
Document Recovery
- Emergency Drying Procedures for Water Damaged Collections, Library of Congress
Machinery & Equipment Restoration
- Preparations for the Loss of Essential Services and Guidelines for Restarting Equipment, "The Locomotive" Article Library, Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. (Weather, Disaster and Catastrophe Alerts, Pre-Emergency Planning and Recovery)
Cleanup
- Disaster Cleanup and Safety Precautions, Business.gov (Links to resources from the Centers for Disease Control, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency)
- Response/Recovery, U. S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (links to fact sheets, "QuickCards," safety & health guides, and other resources to protect workers in the aftermath of a disaster)
Incident Management
- National Response Framework, U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, NRF Resource Center
- National Incident Management System, U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, NIMS Resource Center
- Incident Command System, ICS Resource Center, Emergency Management Institute, Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Incident Command System (ICS) eTool, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (This eTool is designed to provide basic information about the Incident Command System and the Unified Command.)
- Incident Command System information from the United States Coast Guard: Forms, Job Aids, Illustrated steps in the Operational Planning Process
- NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System
- Emergency Operations Center Assessment Checklist, (FEMA) assessment of the hazards, vulnerabilities, and resultant risk to existing Emergency Operations Centers
Training, Drills & Exercises
Training
- Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines, OSHA
- Community Emergency Response Team Training Materials (CERT)
- National Incident Management System, Emergency Management Institute/FEMA
- Guidelines for HazMat/WMD Response, Planning and Prevention Training, U. S. Department of Homeland Security
- CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, American Heart Association Training
- Building An Information Technology Security Awareness and Training Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Publication 800-50
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute Higher Education Program FEMA's EMI has provided links to numerous college-level courses that have been contract-developed for the FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Project by, in most cases, practicing college/university faculty. Many of the courses are focused on emergency management, however, if you click on the link to Business and Industry Crisis Management, there are courses related to crisis management, business continuity, and communications.
- Continuity of Operations Training, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Emergency Management Institute (EMI)
- National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program Training Courses and Associated Materials
- Columbia Regional Learning Center, The Columbia Regional Learning Center provides FREE, online certificate training courses, webinars, and lectures designed for individuals working in health systems including, but not limited to: health care, public health, home health, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), community health, regional learning centers, and emergency management. All of the CRLC’s certificate courses are developed based on CDC Public Health Preparedness and Response Competencies and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Capabilities.
Exercises & Testing
- Homeland Security Exercise, and Evaluation Program, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- IS-139 Exercise Design, Emergency Management Institute Independent Study Program
- A Guide for the Conduct of Emergency Management Tabletop Activities, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- Public Health Emergency Exercise Toolkit, Columbia University School of Nursing and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research
- Design, Management and Evaluation of Exercises/Tests, Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness
- Guide to Test, Training, and Exercise Programs for IT Plans and Capabilities, Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Publication 800-84
- Emergency Planning Exercises for Your Organization, Federal Emergency Management Agency