When should an EMMA be started?

EMMA is designed to be used for sudden-onset emergencies. The sooner an EMMA is started and completed, the better. Since EMMA is a ‘rough and ready’ snapshot, it’s accuracy, utility and value diminish as time passes from a sudden-onset emergency. A general rul of thumb is to begin the EMMA within two weeks of a sudden-onset emergency and to publish the results (or at least give a briefing to stakeholders) within three to four weeks.