Daytona Beach, FL – September 20, 2011 – The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, today, released a statement in recognition of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency designating September as National Preparedness Month emphasizing the importance of the APCO/NENA Service Capability Criteria Rating Scale, American National Standard document [APCO/NENA ANS 1.102.2-2010].

“As National Preparedness Month nears an end, members of the public safety community have a valuable tool to assess the capabilities of their PSAP, said Steve Wisely, director of Comm Center and 9-1-1 Services at APCO International. “When we look back on the natural disasters that have taken place in the last 60 days we can readily see the need for preparedness,” he continued. “I urge all PSAP leaders review this ANSI standard.”

The Standard is an assessment tool that facilitates an objective review of the current capabilities of the PSAP against models representing the best level of preparedness, survivability and sustainability amidst a wide range of natural and man-made events.  The self-evaluation assessment tool provides the basis for discussion with funding bodies concerning the PSAP status in regard to their current technological position and readiness or effectiveness to survive certain risks associated with local vulnerabilities.  The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved this updated ANS on July 28, 2010. The document can be obtained from the APCO web site at: https://www.apcointl.org/download/public-safety-answering-point-psap-service-capability-criteria-rating-scale/?wpdmdl=6344

The Eighth Annual National Preparedness Month Encourages Americans to Take Simple Steps to Prepare for Emergencies.  For more Information please visit http://www.ready.gov/index.html

About APCO International – APCO International is the world’s largest organization of public safety communications professionals. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach. www.apcointl.org