NFPA has been involved in planning for, response to, and mitigation of weapons of mass destruction incidents since the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993. After the Oklahoma City bombing, and reinforced by the events of September 11, first responders have looked to NFPA for information on planning, response, protecting first responders, and building and life safety codes and standards.
NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs, one of NFPA’s most widely implemented standards, establishes a common set of criteria that sets a foundation for disaster management, emergency management, and business continuity programs using a total program approach.
Needs assessment of the U.S. fire service
NFPA has conducted a series of national surveys (2016, 2010, 2005, and 2001) to identify the needs of the fire service for resources required to safely and effectively carry out their responsibilities. The surveys indicated the resources fire departments had, while NFPA codes and standards and other national guidance documents defined the requirements. The gaps between resources in hand and resources required defined the needs.