Public Law 110-53 includes a provision (Title IX, PS-Prep), for the development of a voluntary disaster preparedness certification process for private sector entities. This voluntary certification and accreditation program is being developed and managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). One of the key elements of the program is the enhancement of private sector preparedness, readiness, and resilience to natural and manmade disasters.
DHS has been leading the PS-Prep Program, which includes the development and administration of an accreditation and certification program as well as related standards. As the full implementation of PS-Prep nears, DomPrep is seeking feedback from organizations and homeland-security professionals about the program and its implications for the future. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions included in the survey. (If you wish to learn more about PS-Prep, you can visit the DHS website at http://www.fema.gov/privatesector/preparedness/)
Most DomPrep40 members who responded to this survey indicated that they are not as knowledgeable about the PS-Prep Program as they would like to be. Nonetheless, most respondents supported at least some elements of the program — but many believe that there are other elements that need to be reviewed and perhaps modified.
Key Finding: Observations from this latest DP40 survey indicate that, although the majority of DomPrep40 members have heard about the PS-Prep Program, they are divided about the advantages and disadvantages of certification for participating organizations.
The survey also suggests that more information about the PS-Prep Program is needed. Among the concerns raised were questions related to incentives for compliance, the risks posed by non-compliance, and the cost to businesses.
Noteworthy: Most of those surveyed lack a comprehensive understanding of the PS-Prep Program.
Noteworthy: Most of those surveyed also want additional information to gain a better understanding of the PS-Prep Program.
Noteworthy: Based on their current understanding, more than half of those responding believe that at least some changes should be made before the Program is fully implemented.
Noteworthy: Based on their current understanding, all respondents support at least one element of the Program. (Some members checked more than one element)
Noteworthy: The percentage of respondents answering “Not Sure” to each of the questions asked shows the need for a better understanding of PS-Prep elements as well as the advantages and disadvantages involved for the participating organizations.
Noteworthy: Based on their current understanding, the majority of respondents directly recognize the value of PS-Prep within their organizations as well as the advantages for other organizations.
A principal “positive”of the program seems to be that participation is voluntary. However, participation in general will be limited if a comprehensive understanding of the program, and its benefits, is lacking. Educating private sector entities more fully about details of the program and its benefits would increase the number of organizations that become PS-Prep certified and better their chances for resiliency.
In this phase of the survey, the DomPrep40 respondents indicated their recognition of the need to explore the PS-Prep Program further and in greater detail.
How does the thinking of the DomPrep40 compare with your current understanding? In Part 2 of this PS-Prep survey, all DomPrep members will have the opportunity to participate and to either agree or disagree. Please Take the Survey Now!