The DHS Office of Domestic Preparedness is distributing free CD-ROMs of its Weapons of Mass Destruction Basic Awareness Training to emergency response agencies and organizations 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 CDs are compatible with the overall curriculum standards of the National Fire Academy and work on both Windows and Macintosh 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 at www.wmd-training.org supports the training, and the discs offer links to online resources.

A limited number of the CD-ROMs are available. To request a copy of the training program, contact Loretta Williams, Assistant Project Director, Community Research Associates, 625 N. Washington St., Suite 200, Alexandria, Va. 22314; 703-535-5213, fax: 703-519-4518, lwilliams@community-research.com.

Training Topics

• 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
• Personal protective equipment and safety issues