NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs has been designated for adoption under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep), according to a press release from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of DHS has extended the comment period on standards selected for the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Program (PS-Prep) to January 15, 2010.

NFPA 1600 is one of three standards selected by DHS/FEMA to be used for accrediting certifiers and certifying private sector preparedness plans under the federal program.

In addition, DHS/FEMA announced that they will be holding half-day public hearings throughout the U.S. starting November 17th and ending December 14th in ten cities across the nation, seeking public input and dialogue with federal officials managing the PS-Prep Program.

Please submit your comments to FEMA by January 15, 2010.

Electronic comment form and instructions are available at www.regulations.gov in Docket ID: FEMA-2008-0017. FEMA is asking members of the public who wish to make a presentation at a hearing to submit information one week prior to it. Details posted in Federal Register notice.