WMD Basic Awareness Training Program Available Free to Local Response Agencies

Washington, D.C. – The Weapons of Mass Destruction Basic Awareness Training program is currently available through the DHS’ Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) via Community Research Associates free of charge to American emergency response agencies and organizations for a limited time. There is no cost for the shipping.

This program was designed to help state and local jurisdictions — especially those in rural areas — prepare for terrorism incidents. Employing compressed video and Microsoft PowerPoint slides to deliver clear, concise instruction on desktop or laptop computers (both Windows and Macintosh platforms) the WMD Basic Awareness Training program delivers the essentials in a unique student-driven interactive environment.

The program even supports (though does not require) interfacing with Internet-based resources to enhance the learning experience.

The WMD Basic Awareness Training program content has been developed over a two-year period using the most current and accurate information available and meets all course curriculum standards of the Office for Domestic Preparedness, Department of Homeland Security and the National Fire Academy.

The program features compressed video linked to PowerPoint slides — which means the entire program fits onto two CD-ROMs. Students can stop and restart presentations at will to memorize, review or clarify points. A list below the instructor’s window provides access to frequently-asked questions, on-disk reference materials, or related Web sites.

The program covers:

  • Basic awareness, including discussion of the Federal Response and Terrorism Plans;
  • Chemical and physical properties of WMD agents;
  • Most common chemical and biological agents;
  • Incendiary/explosive agents;
  • Nuclear agents; and
  • Personal protective equipment and safety issues.

Please send your request messages, including the agency you represent and your mailing address, to lwilliams@community-research.com, or Loretta Williams, Assistant Project Director, Community Research Associates, 625 North Washington Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314, 703-535-5213, Fax: 703-519-4518.

For more information, visit www.wmd-training.org.

Hand entrapped in rope gripper

Elevator Rescue: Rope Gripper Entrapment

Mike Dragonetti discusses operating safely while around a Rope Gripper and two methods of mitigating an entrapment situation.
Delta explosion

Two Workers Killed, Another Injured in Explosion at Atlanta Delta Air Lines Facility

Two workers were killed and another seriously injured in an explosion Tuesday at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near the Atlanta airport.