Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP)

EMAPseal

The Tennessee Emergency Management Authority is nationally accredited by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, also known as EMAP. 

EMAP accreditation recognizes emergency managment programs that meet nationally recognized standards for disaster preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and administration. Accreditation demonstrates that Tennessee's emergency managment program has been reviewed through an independent assessment process and meets established standards for a comprehensice emergency management program.

What Is EMAP?

The Emergency Management Accreditation Program is an independent accreditation program for emergency management organizations. EMAP evaluates programs against professional standards that support effective emergency management, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The accreditation process includes a review of plans, policies, procedures, documentation, and program capabilities. Emergency management programs must demonstrate that they meet EMAP standards and are prepared to coordinate across the full range of hazards and emergency management responsibilities.

Tennessee’s Accreditation

Tennessee’s emergency management program was originally accredited by EMAP in 2007. The state was reaccredited in 2013, 2019, and again in 2023.

Accredited programs must continue to maintain compliance with EMAP standards and report program changes. This ongoing process helps ensure Tennessee’s emergency management program continues to evaluate capabilities, identify improvements, and strengthen preparedness across the state.

Why Accreditation Matters

EMAP accreditation reflects Tennessee’s commitment to maintaining a strong, coordinated, and accountable emergency management program.

Accreditation helps the department:

  • Measure emergency management capabilities against national standards.
  • Support consistent planning, training, exercises, response, recovery, and mitigation practices.
  • Identify areas for improvement.
  • Strengthen coordination among local, state, federal, nonprofit, private sector, and volunteer partners.
  • Maintain a culture of continuous improvement.

Supporting a Prepared Tennessee

Emergency management accreditation is one way Tennessee demonstrates its commitment to readiness, coordination, and resilience. Through EMAP, the Tennessee Emergency Management Authority continues to assess and improve the systems, plans, and partnerships that support communities before, during, and after emergencies.