CSUSM Extended Learning Offers Timely Certificate Program in Business Emergency Preparedness Planning

    SAN MARCOS, CA, September 01, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fire season began early this year, and wildfires have been ravaging large portions of Northern and Central California. San Diego County residents are aware that it's only a matter of time before the danger reaches our part of the state. With climate change intensifying the frequency and ferocity of natural disasters like fires and flooding, and the emerging perils of manmade disasters like cybersecurity threats and infrastructure breaches, it's important to plan an effective response in the event of an emergency.

While emergency preparedness efforts tend to focus on protecting homes and families, the San Diego Office of Emergency Services recommends that every business have an emergency preparedness element in their strategic business plan. However, a mere 7% have taken this precaution: That means 93% of organizations do not have a plan for business resumption in the event of an emergency. CSU San Marcos aims to help more businesses become disaster-ready with the Professional Certificate in Business Emergency Preparedness Planning (BEPP). Meeting over six half-day sessions this fall, the BEPP Certificate will give participants the tools, information, and processes needed to develop and implement an emergency preparedness plan for their organization.

"Having been a first responder for many years, I recognize that the new Business Emergency Preparedness Planning Program at California State University San Marcos is a must-attend for San Diego's business community," says Jason Adams, Disaster Program Manager for the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross. "It is essential that businesses are exposed to this curriculum so that they can protect their staff and their assets, mitigate losses, and have the ability to keep their organizations functioning during and after a disaster."

The BEPP Certificate program takes participants through each phase of the disaster preparedness planning process, from assessing potential hazards and vulnerabilities to developing a recovery plan and resuming operations. The classes will be held on-site at businesses and government emergency operations centers, giving those enrolled an inside look at the resources that are available to assist in a crisis. Over the course of the six-week program, each participant will develop an emergency plan for his or her business or organization using the techniques, strategies, and tactics learned in the classes.

Enrollment for the Business Emergency Preparedness Planning Certificate program is now open for fall 2015, with classes beginning on Friday, Oct. 9. The half-day classes will be held on Fridays from 8 am to 1 pm through Nov. 13, 2015, with lunch included at each session. The program is cohort based. To learn more about the BEPP Certificate program call 760-750-4020 or visit http://www.csusm.edu/el/certificateprograms/bpdev/bepp/index.html.

About CSUSM Extended Learning
As the academic outreach arm of Cal State San Marcos, Extended Learning is a leading provider of professional and continuing education in North San Diego and Southwest Riverside Counties. Offering degree programs in fields such as criminology, as well as both academic credit and noncredit professional enrichment courses, Extended Learning helps individuals and organizations achieve their educational and training goals. For more information about Extended Learning at CSUSM please visit http://www.csusm.edu/el/.

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