Governor Rick Scott, the State of Florida, announced the “Florida Families First” state budget this week with the claim, “This year, we will build on our successes through targeted investments that put Florida Families First.” Through this initiative, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) has been provided funds to assist with Florida counties’ EMAP accreditation efforts. Each county that receives accreditation will receive an annual incentive increasing the amount of their base grant used to maintain their program. “EMAP is the only nationally recognized certification in emergency management that an office can obtain and every emergency management agency should strive to meet those standards,” said Tom Cisco, Emergency Management Director for Madison County, Florida. He continues, “Receiving additional funding based on the accreditation will not only help maintain it, but will also be beneficial for new programs and initiatives.” As a result, Floridian counties are working towards EMAP accreditation as a beneficial investment to their emergency management programs to implement the highest standards of emergency management practices. Director Brian Koon, Florida DEM, states “Enhancing the funding provided to local emergency managers is an enhancement to Florida’s current ability to respond and an investment in preparedness for the future.” Based on fifteen years of experience, EMAP accreditation is an investment to the emergency management program’s future sustainment.
Source: Florida Division of Emergency Management press release, January 31, 2013.