WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, Dec. 5, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the dissemination of a new training course to help emergency planners ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable citizens in their communities are met during disasters. The course, G197 Emergency Planning and Special Needs Populations, will be available on CD Rom to assist local and state emergency planners, and organizations serving seniors and people with disabilities.

“There are many actions that should be taken to reduce risk for special needs residents, including installing visual alarms for the deaf and having special needs advocates work with local officials when developing emergency plans,” said Michael D. Brown, under secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “This new course will help ensure such actions are taken and that all residents of a community are considered when emergency plans are developed.”

Specialists at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute developed the course, which is part of the Advanced Professional Series. The CD Rom contains an instructor guide, student manual, visual aids, additional resources, related articles and manuals on evacuating people with disabilities and emergency procedures for people with disabilities in office jobs. The CD Rom will be distributed to all state training officers and regional training managers. Social service organizations or special needs advocacy groups can also obtain the materials by calling 301-447-1585.