The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Domestic Preparedness is distributing a free CD-ROM of its Weapons of Mass Destruction Basic Awareness Training to emergency response agencies and organizations for a limited time via Community Research Associates of Alexandria, Va.

The two-disc program was designed to help state and local jurisdictions -- especially those in rural areas -- prepare for terrorism incidents. Developed over the last two years, the course is compatible with overall course curriculum standards of ODP, DHS and the National Fire Academy and works on both Windows and MacIntosh operating systems.

The program uses compressed video linked to Microsoft PowerPoint slides to deliver instruction on desktop or laptop computers. Although Internet connectivity is not required, a Web site (www.wmd-training.org) supports the training and the disc offer links to online resources.

The training 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.
  

To request a free copy of the training, send your request, 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.