Training emergency preparedness

Practice drills are an integral part of emergency preparedness training to ensure proper execution of the plan. These drills should be performed on an annual basis. Drills help refresh memories and can identify weaknesses in an emergency preparedness plan. Treat drills as seriously as an actual event to provide the best assurance of proper execution when the stakes are high. 

Philley, J. O., Emergency Preparedness Training Tips, American Institute of Chemical Engineers National Meeting—Summer 87, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, New York, 1987. 

Qureshi, K., Merrill, J., Gershon, R., Calero-Breckheimer, A. (2002). Emergency preparedness training for public health nurses A pilot study. Journal of Urban Health (September issue). 

Ford, J.K. Schmidt, A. Emergency preparedness training strategies for enhancing real-world performance. J. Hazard. Mater. 2000, 75, 195-215. 

The SRS Emergency Plan section on emergency preparedness training has been reviewed by the staff, and specific dose assessment training is listed on the training matrix for all ERO positions involved with dose assessment. This training includes operations of the WINDS and dose assessment programs. 

WSRC, Reactor Area Emergency Preparedness Training Matrix, June 1990. 

Employers will need to select how many different emergency preparedness or third lines of defense they plan to have, develop the necessary emergency plans and procedures, appropriately train employees in their emergency duties and responsibilities, and then implement these lines of defense. 

Regarding schools, immediately after teachers are trained on the emergency preparedness plan, they should train students on how to correctly respond to the various types of alarm systems (e.g., fire, radiation, and chemical) in the building. Teachers should use cassette tapes, compact discs, or videotapes to allow the students to hear the differences in the sounds of the various types of alarms. 

Planning Summary Develop an emergency preparedness plan for emergency events including a terrorist attack. Make sure training and practice drills are completed at least yearly, and look for potential vulnerabilities so the plan can be optimized. 

All staff should receive initial training and annual refresher training on the contents of the emergency preparedness plan. Bringing in an emergency response specialist to assist with preparation of the emergency preparedness plan and provide staff training is an option that should seriously be considered. 

III Preparedness Procedures All the activities taken to prepare the facility and personnel for an emergency, including training, drills and exercises, equipment acquisition, development of mutual aid agreements, community relations, annual reviews, and testing. 

Implementation and Operation. Documented procedures must be in place to control and monitor all of the ways in which the company impacts and interacts with the environment, including emergency preparedness and response. This includes an assurance that employees are trained and competent in their jobs that may interact with the environment. 

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