NFPA Offers Disaster Preparedness Workshops

Individuals in need of information on disaster preparedness can get all their questions answered by attending one of 10, 2-day workshops on the National Fire Protection Association’s Disaster/Emergency Management and Continuity Programs standard (NFPA 1600). A new edict signed into law last month by President George W. Bush includes NFPA 1600. The Intelligence and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 encourages the Secretary of Homeland Security to promote the adoption of voluntary national preparedness standards such as this one, explains the NFPA.The workshops will provide information on developing new emergency management and business continuity programs as well as assessing and enhancing existing ones (for disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, utility and technology emergencies, workplace violence, and terrorism). The sessions will address:Evacuation.Adequate communications capabilities.Continuity of operations should a disaster occur.NFPA is encouraging anyone tasked with protecting facilities – especially property, engineering, security, and facilities professionals – to attend. The fee for attendance is $295. To register, call NFPA at (800) 344-3555 or visit (www.nfpa.org).March 7-6, HoustonMarch 21-22, AnaheimApril 11-12, NashvilleApril 18-19, Atlantic CityMay 2-3, Farmington, CTMay 9-10, Ft.LauderdaleMay 23-24, AtlantaJune 13-14, San FranciscoJune 20-21, Schaumburg, ILAugust 29-30, PittsburghThe workshops are sponsored in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s Public Sector Office and New YorkUniversity’s Intl.Center for Enterprise Preparedness.