The ERMA project (ERMA is an acronym for Electronic Risk Management Architecture) aims to build a reference platform for risk management in the domains of natural as well as man-made disasters with a specific focus on needs of small and medium-sized communities. In this context communities might be public bodies as well as private sector organisations with share obligations and duties for risk prevention and response. ERMA strives to employ the accruing information of an incident in combination with existing technology in order to provide risk assessment and communicate services in particular with the citizens before, during and after it occurs. With ERMA, small and medium-sized communities will be assisted in the creation and efficient management of issues inherent to their respective responsibities.