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) recently 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.

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.