The International Association of Emergency Management has developed the following professional guiding principals for Emergency management:

1. Comprehensive-  Emergency managers consider and take into account all hazards, all phases, all stakeholders and all impacts to relevant to disasters.
2. Progressive- Emergency managers anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster resistant and disaster-resilient communities.
3. Risk Driven- Emergency managers use sound risk management principles (hazard identifications, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources.
4. Integrated- Emergency managers ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of community.
5. Collaborative- Emergency managers create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.
6. Coordinated- Emergency managers use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges.
7. Professional- Emergency managers value a science and knowledge based approach based on education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous improvement.