NU Online News Service, June 18, 2:07 p.m. EDT

The Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc. praised the Department of Homeland Security for its recent adoption of private sector preparedness standards.

Since the voluntary preparedness framework was released in 2007, RIMS said it has been closely involved in discussions surrounding the Voluntary Private Sector Accreditation and Certification Preparedness Program and it is pleased to see the implementation of this program move forward. It added that as an association for risk management professionals, it understands firsthand the importance of business continuity and preparedness.

"RIMS believes very strongly that business continuity and emergency preparedness are a critical component of any organization's enterprise risk management plan," said Carol Fox, chair of RIMS' Standards and Practices Committee, in a statement. "We believe that the standards adopted by DHS allow organizations necessary flexibility in adopting a standard that meets their specific business objectives and budgets."

The three adopted standards–developed by the National Fire Protection Association, the British Standards Institution and ASIS International–are intended to provide guidance and structure for an organization looking to attain certification in private sector preparedness. A sound business continuity and emergency preparedness plan significantly enhances an organization's ability to absorb and mitigate the effects of an unexpected event or disaster, RIMS said.

RIMS said that in addition to its work with the Department of Homeland Security on this issue, it has highlighted the importance of business continuity planning through a series of workshops and webinars. One is scheduled for November 4-5 in Charlotte, NC.

Special Reports /

RIMS Gives Thumbs-Up To Gov't Standards On Preparedness

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