Training is a necessity when it comes to disaster response. Disasters can quickly create situations that even seasoned responders have not dealt with, or involve many agencies and officials that usually don't work together. Proper training will help to minimize confusion about who is in charge, and reduce risks to responders and victims. All responders and local officials are encouraged to have basic training in the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Senior responders should obviously have more in-depth training.
Community members who wish to be of assistance during emergencies should consider the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site until responders arrive. Links to all of these types of training and more are on the LEPC #12 website.