Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 301: Special Needs Planning 

Release Date: August 15, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-165FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 301?

Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 301 is a tool for state, territorial, tribal, and local emergency managers to use in the development of emergency operations plans (EOPs) that are inclusive of the entire population of a jurisdiction of any size.  It specifically provides recommendations for planning for special needs populations. CPG-301 was developed jointly by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), benefiting from extensive stakeholder involvement.

2. What prompted the need for CPG-301?

Throughout the history of emergency planning, considerations for special needs populations have been inadequate.  The impetus for developing CPG-301 was the 2006 Nationwide Plan Review. The report summarizing the findings of the Review concluded that "substantial improvement is necessary to integrate people with disabilities in emergency planning and readiness." During the Review process, emergency managers consistently requested technical assistance in identifying and incorporating disability and other special needs populations into emergency planning. In addition, during the recent crafting of the National Response Framework (NRF), the Special Needs Workgroup generated many excellent recommendations for emergency managers that were appropriate for inclusion in technical assistance to augment the NRF. CPG-301 reflects many of these recommendations.

3. Who developed the interim CPG-301?

CPG-301 was developed jointly by FEMA and the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. This interim guide reflects extensive input from key federal, state, and local government partners, along with nongovernmental organizations representing special needs communities. Additionally, a second team of emergency management officials from all around the United States worked together to provide review and comment on the document.

4. How does CPG-301 relate to the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (PKEMRA)?

The Nationwide Plan Review and the NRF revision were the catalysts behind the development of CPG-301. However, CPG-301 is consistent with PKEMRA’s focus on ensuring that disability and other special needs populations are integrated into all emergency planning information originating with the federal government. This federal level consistency will continue to influence community level planning through newly developed FEMA emergency responder training.

5. How does CPG-301 use the term "special needs populations?

CPG-301 employs the function-based definition for the term "special needs populations" contained in the NRF. Thus, it focuses emergency planning on addressing the function-based needs of individuals (i.e. maintaining independence, communication, transportation, supervision, and medical care). CPG-301 recommends that a statewide definition for the term "special needs" can guide tribal, state, territorial and local jurisdictions in the planning process. Governments that choose to align their language to a function-based definition, such as that of the NRF, will enhance consistency across inter-governmental communication for special needs planning.

6. On what topics does CPG-301 provide guidance?

CPG-301 outlines special needs considerations for: Developing Informed Plans; Assessments and Registries; Emergency Public Information/Communication; Sheltering and Mass Care; Evacuation; Transportation; Human Services/Medical Management; Congregate Settings; Recovery; and Training and Exercises. The document reinforces the need to engage representatives of special needs communities and the importance of personal and family preparedness.

7. How FEMA and CRCL plan to disseminate CPG-301?

CPG-301 will remain an interim document while feedback on this guide is sought from the states and local communities and other key stakeholders during 2008. DHS/FEMA will use existing web-based technology for widespread dissemination of the guide. In addition, FEMA and CRCL will take advantage of outreach opportunities to emergency management and special needs communities at conferences, workshops, and meetings throughout the nation. For those who desire more specific consultation on application of CPG-301, contact Donald Lumpkins at Donald.lumpkins@dhs.gov or Brian Parsons at brian.parsons@dhs.gov.

Last Modified: Friday, 15-Aug-2008 22:33:36