A few days ago, I posted news about two new resources: (1) NFPA 1600 and (2) National Mitigation Framework from FEMA. In reviewing the hit count for recent postings, I see that the first mentioned got 278 hits and the second one got 10. of 5/8.
That is quite a sizable difference and I would be interesting in knowing why (1) is of so much greater interest than (2). The Diva keeps trying to guess what readers will find interesting and useful, but it is not an easy task!
Update: As Bill Cumming notes in his comments below, “NFPA 1600 is probably the best known voluntary standard in the EM and public safety and Fire Service community. It has evolved over time and now is a mandatory standard in some States and local government circles. Thus the wide interest in its coverage and evolution.”
Recovery Diva 
Claire, Perhaps there is a larger set of issues that include: defining the role and size of government; the appropriate usage of presidential directives; and, examining the regularly occurring ‘translation’ errors between top management within government and middle-management (and lower) individuals charged with writing all the implementing language. I can think of areas within the FEMA arena where top management articulated policies and concepts all could endorse which then became significantly distorted and/or corrupted because of the “lenses” applied by those below them who had the task of translating policy into action and direction for those outside the agency.
From Bill Cumming:
In my time in FEMA [1979-1999] few understood OMB Circular A-119 that covers voluntary standard setting. This circular is designed to encourage federal participation in setting various standards for public health and safety and other purposes.
The independent FEMA and even now has virtually NO repeat NO standard setting authority nor does DHS. In fact at one time the FEMA ethics program had ruled that FEMA appointees and employees could NOT participate in Standard Setting Organization meetings. I overturned this in one of my first tasks as Agency Ethics Counselor. OGE approved it also.
NFPA 1600 is probably the best known voluntary standard in the EM and public safety and Fire Service community. It has evolved over time and now is a mandatory standard in some States and local government circles. Thus the wide interest in its coverage and evolution.
Retired Professor William C. Nicholson has written extensively on NFPA 1600.
Other Standards while voluntary are very important such as those dealing with accreditation.
Claire:-
Frankly, the Framework documents – while important – are much more evanescent than NFPA 1600. This standard is an evolving, yet constant, part of the EM landscape. Who knows how long the Frameworks will last?
Thanks. That helps explain it.
Claire,
FEMA sent an e-mail about the National Mitigation Framework which many of your readers may have received. I had no luck downloading the new version of NFPA 1600 from your link. I’ll try again when time permits. I’m a fan of NFPA 1600.
Note the full version of the file is available at no cost. See my updated posting.