FEMA Trains Washington County And City Officials With Earthquake Response Simulation
Release Date: July 22, 2003
Release Number: HQ-03-155
Emmitsburg, MD -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) completed a five-day exercise-based training course for public safety and elected officials in and around Clark County and the city of Vancouver, Wash., last week. Held at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's training facility, the course enhances the community's ability to manage the aftereffects of a significant earthquake.
The 75 participants, including elected local officials and representatives from fire and police departments and the sheriff's office, participated in the Emergency Management Institute's Integrated Emergency Management Course. The course included a realistic disaster simulation based on the community's specific risks, assets, geography, population and location. Participants were able to practice implementing disaster response and recovery actions and to critique outcomes in a learning environment
"This critical training provided by Homeland Security helps save lives, protect property and enhance pre-disaster planning and post-disaster response and recovery," said DHS Under Secretary Michael D. Brown. "Directly training community leaders and first responders is a key component of our efforts to better secure the homeland and it is invaluable both to the students and the communities they serve."
FEMA trains thousands of the nation's first responders and emergency managers each year through the National Fire Academy and the Emergency Management Institute. This vital training promotes the professional development of the nation's emergency professionals, enhances emergency capabilities at the community level, and improves technical competence of key emergency managers and staff
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-Jul-2003 13:30:39