Standardization News

While operations centers are key to managing emergency situations, standards specific to developing these centers currently do not exist. However, a proposed new ASTM International standard that will provide advice and existing best business practices for the creation of emergency operations centers is being developed by ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications.

The draft standard, WK12954, Guide for the Development of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E54.02 on Emergency Preparedness, Training and Procedures.

"If an emergency manager or business continuity planner needs a new emergency operations center or is considering updating an existing EOC, this proposed guide will walk them through the development process," says Glenn Wisbey, logistics operations branch manager, North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, and an E54 member.

Frank Kriz, an emergency management consultant and an E54 member, says, "It is our hope as a committee that through development of WK12954 and other proposed standards, people recognize that one size does not fit all. It is important that those who will be using this proposed standard upon its approval have choices that are realistic."

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