Moderator:
Amy Sebring

Group Discussion with Track Participants
How Will the NFPA Standard Benefit the Public?

Transcript of Live Chat
September 22, 1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern Time

The completion of the consensus standard, NFPA 1600, is a remarkable achievement, however it is only the beginning. In order for it to "make a difference," the standard must be adopted and used. Only then will it become a truly living document.

Our final session will involve track participants in a group discussion. To prepare for the session, please review the ten discussion questions below. You might also jot down your ideas and responses. During the session the moderator will provide introductory and transitional material, however, the purpose of the discussion is to hear from you. The moderator will present each question in turn, at which time you will be asked to input your response.

While we have enjoyed presenting what we hope was an informative week, with your participation, the concluding session may be the most valuable of all. We look forward to seeing you there.

  1. What is new in the standard? That is, what requirements are included that do not already exist in our programs?

  2. Can we expect voluntary use of the standard, or must it be adopted into a law or regulation before it will be used?

  3. Can an entity meet the requirements of the standard with existing resources, or will new resources be needed?

  4. Will the standard need to be marketed? If so, who will do this and what should the marketing strategy be?

  5. Accreditation programs will take time to be fully implemented. What should a conscientious emergency manager be doing in the meantime?

  6. What guidance, if any, is needed beyond the EMAP accreditation guidance? What models may be available from other NFPA standards?

  7. How will full implementation of this standard improve disaster resilience for a community or business?

  8. What is missing from the standard? How can it be enhanced during the next revision?

  9. What is the relationship between a qualified professional coordinator and a good program?

  10. What value does the standard add to the fields of emergency management and business continuity planning?