Extended Abstract (316K)P1.37
Disaster Weather Communication, Education and Training for First Responders - A WAS*IS Initiative
Joshua J. Jans, Minnesota State Univ., Mankato, MN; and C. S. Keen
Field experiences of working directly with Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement, and Paramedics in ‘disaster weather' situations (most recent being Greensburg, KS EF-5 event), combined with survey research in Minnesota and Texas, has revealed a general lack of knowledge of ‘weather' by first responders. With changes in modern technology, diversity of populations, and advances of atmospheric sciences, it is important to ensure that the First Responder Communities are conversant with these areas. In an attempt to bridge the gap between societal response and forecast science, this WAS*IS inspired project has led to the development of a three level, in class room, and online curriculum covering weather processes, interpretation, and decision-making directed towards emergency responders. The courses' structure has been guided by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards that are designed to safeguard responders in emergencies involving chemical, biological and other hazards. Federal agencies and numerous first-response teams adhere to these standards. Currently, there is no focused training for ‘weather disasters' that would educate responders in applying the resources available. This paper presents a standardized ‘weather disaster' training (and operations guidelines) to allow responders and meteorological resources from different jurisdictions and disciplines to work together in response to natural disasters and emergencies.
Supplementary URL: http://www.mnsu.edu/weather/FinalAMS2008ckjj.pdf
Poster Session 1, Policy and Socio-Economic Research Posters
Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM, Exhibit Hall B
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