• American Society of Civil Engineers and International Association of Emergency Managers sign new memorandum of cooperation
RESTON, VA, Jan. 14, 2008 -- In an effort to address the need for increased emphasis on coordination of all aspects of emergency management worldwide, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) today signed a memorandum of cooperation.
The new agreement establishes a relationship designed to promote awareness of the state of our nation's critical infrastructure, and to encourage the involvement of the engineering community in supporting emergency managers.
"Because both organizations recognize the importance of improving the integrity of our nation's aging and overburdened infrastructure as a part of protecting public safety, ASCE is looking forward to working with IAEM on this important issue," said ASCE President David G. Mongan, P.E., F.ASCE. "It is imperative to design, develop and construct critical infrastructure that is resilient from all hazards and achieving that goal will be an integral part of this partnership."
"IAEM is looking forward to this new partnership with ASCE," said IAEM Executive Director Elizabeth B. Armstrong, MAM, CAE. "Our similar goals make this partnership a natural fit in our efforts to continually improve public safety."
While IAEM activities are dedicated to promoting the goal of saving lives and protecting property during emergencies and disasters, both organizations acknowledge the need for the engineering community to support the preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation phases of emergency management. In cooperation with IAEM, ASCE aims to enhance disaster management efforts at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as to ensure the continued participation of all agencies and departments involved in emergency management. In addition, both organizations recognize the need for additional funding and increased emphasis on coordination of all aspects of emergency management worldwide.
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 140,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society.
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) is a non-profit organization consisting of more than 4,000 emergency management professionals from local, state and federal governments, the military, private industry, and volunteer organizations.
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