ISO Issues Emergency Management Standard

To minimize the impact of disasters, terrorist attacks and other major incidents, ISO has published ISO 22320:2011, Societal Security: Emergency Management–Requirements for Incident Response. According to ISO, the standard outlines global best practice for establishing command-and-control organizational structures and procedures, decision support, traceability and information management. Following the standard can also help agencies ensure timely and accurate operational information, ISO reports. 

"Any response following an incident might include the participation of both public and private organizations working at international, regional or national levels," says Ernst-Peter Döbbeling, convener of the working group that developed the standard. "Harmonized international guidance is needed to coordinate efforts and ensure effective action." ISO anticipates that the standard's information and communication requirements will stimulate the "development of innovative technical solutions enabling maximal interoperability for communication.” Learn more here.