FEMA And USACE Develop Points Of Distribution Guide, Video And Independent Study Course For State/Local/Nongovernmental Partners
Release Date: March 26, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-032
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are making available several new, user-friendly tools to partners to enhance state and local capability to stand up and operate Points of Distribution (POD) during and immediately after disaster events.
The products include a new independent study course, a video and guide. These products were developed with input from several states, including Florida, Washington and Texas, and incorporates best practices and lessons learned from the experiences of recent hurricane seasons.
"This guide, video and training class will assist all the partners and stakeholders involved in distribution of assets during times of disaster. Best practices have been compiled and are illustrated in an easy to follow format. This material will help communities, states and tribes work in even better coordination with federal and non-governmental partners as they provide needed supplies to the public, in a timely and consistent manner," said FEMA Logistics Management Directorate Assistant Administrator Eric Smith.
The independent study training materials provide an overview into the planning, operations, and demobilization stages needed for a state or local community to successfully execute a POD mission. The lessons detail the staffing and procedures any state or locality will need to plan for, execute, and deactivate POD operations. The guide also includes key operational practices such as how to address safety, equipment management, and resource accountability and informs the reader about the innovative "Adopt a POD" program being used by the state of Washington.
FEMA is using new media techniques to reach state, local and nongovernmental partners in disasters by offering the video on its multimedia site at www.fema.gov/medialibrary. The video is downloadable and also easily embedded on the websites of the state and local partners. The DVD, POD guide and online test are available at training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is26.asp. Beginning April 1, the DVD and POD guide may also be ordered, at no cost, for mail delivery through the FEMA Publications Warehouse (1-800-480-2520).
FEMA is also developing a "Train the Trainer" course that will be held at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) to provide detailed hands-on experience to state and local emergency managers who can then go back to their communities to train others.
FEMA is reaching out to state and local emergency managers to participate in a focus group hosted at FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) to develop the "Train the Trainer" course. FEMA expects to have this completed by December 2009.
FEMA's multimedia library provides audio, video and photography captured during disaster federal response and recovery missions, instructional and training content, as well as preparedness and mitigation stories.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Thursday, 26-Mar-2009 14:21:43