More Resources for Emergency Preparedness

National RTAP - the Rural Transit Assistance Program - announces its updated free training module, Emergency Procedures for Rural Transit Drivers. The training includes a Learner’s Guide, a Self-paced eLearning Course Disc, an Instructor’s Guide, and a disc with videos and a trainer’s PowerPoint presentation. It can be used in a classroom setting or by a single student, and is appropriate for both new and experienced transit drivers. The training offers information on preparedness for hazards and threats that may be encountered as a transit operator. This training module also offers targeted training on the Seven Steps of Crisis Management.

For more information, please contact Pam Russell DiGiovanni at 888-589-1122 or prussell@nationalrtap.org.

FEMA Reviews its Progress

Although FEMA’s Preparedness for the Next Catastrophic Disaster - An Update, a report from the Department of Homeland Security, will not render assistance in the midst of an actual emergency, it provides food for thought about what is involved across the different types of agencies called to serve during or in the aftermath of a man-made or natural disaster.

Transportation is mentioned as a piece of the pie of emergency response services, and discussed in reference to large-scale evacuations.

FEMA is responsible for providing direction, guidance, and technical assistance on state and local evacuation plans that contain integrated information on transportation operations, shelters, and other elements of a successful evacuation. FEMA is also required to work with state, tribal, and local authorities to support contraflow planning, where the normal flow of traffic is reversed to aid in an evacuation, and is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are available for evacuation efforts.

Most indicators of progress have progressed with a moderate rating. Substantial progress has been made in the areas of emergency communications and having pre-disaster contract in place.