DisastersDHS seeks comments on small business preparedness plan

Published 4 October 2010

DHS seeks public comments on a private sector readiness certification program specifically tailored to the needs of small businesses; this first-of-its-kind program will tailor voluntary private sector preparedness certification standards to specifically meet the needs and capabilities of U.S. small businesses

DHS secretary Janet Napolitano last Thursday announced a key milestone in the department’s efforts to develop a robust small business preparedness plan — soliciting public comment on a private sector readiness certification program specifically tailored to the needs of small businesses.

Ensuring America’s small businesses have the critical information and training they need to better respond to disasters will strengthen the entire nation’s preparedness and resilience,” said Napolitano.

DHS published a notice in the Federal Register Friday seeking public comment on its proposed plan for implementing separate classifications and methods of certification for small businesses under PS-Prep. This first-of-its-kind program will tailor voluntary private sector preparedness certification standards to specifically meet the needs and capabilities of U.S. small businesses.

The small business preparedness plan is part of the Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep) — a 9/11 Commission-recommended voluntary partnership between DHS and the private sector to improve businesses’ preparedness and resilience for disasters and emergencies. PS-Prep enables private sector entities to receive emergency preparedness certification from a DHS program created in coordination with the private sector.

For more information, visit FEMA Web site.