EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - The El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has achieved accreditation by the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP), the City of El Paso announced in a news release. The accreditation recognizes the City's "commitment to excellence and preparedness, joining other accredited programs nationwide." “Receiving EMAP accreditation is a significant achievement for El Paso. It underscores our unwavering commitment to the safety and resilience of our community,” Jorge A. Rodriguez, Emergency Management Coordinator for the El Paso Office of Emergency Management said. “This accreditation validates the hard work and dedication of our team, partner agencies, nongovernmental organizations and community stakeholders in ensuring El Paso is prepared for any disaster.” The City said EMAP accreditation is awarded to emergency management programs that demonstrate compliance with the Emergency Management Standard, certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The evaluation process includes self-assessment, documentation and peer review to ensure alignment with best practices in disaster preparedness and response, according to the City. "Programs accredited by EMAP demonstrate accountability and a continuous commitment to improvement, making their communities safer and more resilient," read the news release. In addition, accreditation is valid for five years, during which programs must maintain compliance and undergo reassessment to retain their status, according to the City. For more information and to view the complete list of accredited programs, visit emap.org.