Training and Preparedness
Training
DPS offers emergency preparedness training to small groups and departments. Typically, this training is in accordance with FEMA’s training. If you are interested in individually completing training online, you may do so by going to the FEMA Independent Study Program website. From here, you can select a number of training courses. The courses typically take one hour but can go as long as eight hours.
Personal Preparedness
If you are interested in finding out what you can do as an individual or family to prepare for emergencies or protect yourself during an emergency, there are many places you can go to get valuable information that can help to reduce the effects of disaster.
- The Department of Homeland Security website instructs you on how to build a disaster kit, make a plan and be informed about preparing for emergencies.
- Preparing for Disaster is a document that Homeland Security and the American Red Cross have teamed up to provide. In addition to teaching you how to prepare for disaster, it also teaches you how to respond.
- For formal training programs in personal preparedness, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SEPA VOAD) provides what training is available and when you can participate. Volunteer opportunities are also available.