Washoe County is the only county in the United States to earn prestigious accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) this year, and one of only three recipients overall this year.
“I am incredibly proud to work for a government entity that puts such a premium on emergency preparedness,” Emergency Manager Kelly Echeverria said. “This is a monumental occasion for our program and the community.”
On Jan. 14, 2021, the emergency management program of Washoe County was granted re-accreditation by EMAP for meeting Emergency Management Standards based on the capabilities of the county’s disaster preparedness, planning, mitigation and response systems. EMAP accreditation is the highest standard for any emergency management program and requires compliance with requirements in 16 areas, including: planning; resource management; training; exercises, evaluations and corrective actions; communications and warning; and administration.
This accreditation recognizes programs that bring together personnel, resources and communication from numerous agencies and organizations, in preparation for and in response to a disaster of any type. Washoe County’s emergency management program was recognized for its dedication to safety and security of the residents that it represents.
In order to receive re-accreditation, the emergency management program demonstrated compliance with the 66 industry-recognized standards, through a peer-review virtual assessment.
“Congratulations to those programs that have maintained their accredited status as well as those who have joined the elite leaders in emergency management having earned accreditation through the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Through their commitment and leadership, they have proven to their communities and stakeholders that their programs are sustainable and that they continue to focus on their communities’ best interests,” stated Nick Crossley, director of Hamilton County, OH Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the EMAP Commission chair.
“This significant achievement would not have been possible without the hard work of Kelly Echeverria and the Washoe County Emergency Management team,” County Manager Eric Brown said. “Their priority to the safety and preparedness of our community is valued and well deserving of this recognition.”
To learn more about Washoe County Emergency Management, visit www.washoecounty.us/em/.
