WMDEmergency Responder Guidelines for

Public Works Personnel

Walter R. Olsen, P.E.

Deputy Director

WA State County Road Administration Board

APWA Fall ConferenceSpokane, WashingtonOctober 31, 2002

Introduction

Department of Justice, Office for Domestic Preparedness

Integrated compilation of responder skills, knowledge, and capabilities

Three levels of training– Awareness– Performance (Operations)– Planning and Management

Awareness Level

For public works employees likely to witness or discover a WMD event or who may be sent out to initially investigate the report of such an event

Awareness Level Guidelines

1. Recognize hazardous materials incidents

Awareness Level Guidelines

2. Know protocols used to detect the potential presence of WMD agents or materials

Awareness Level Guidelines

3. Know and follow self-protection measures for WMD events and hazardous materials events

Awareness Level Guidelines

4. Know procedures for protecting a potential crime scene

Awareness Level Guidelines

5. Know and follow agency scene security and control procedures for WMD and hazardous material events

Awareness Level Guidelines

6. Know how to properly use communication equipment to report information to request additional assistance

Performance Level

Addresses training requirements for all non-operational employees– Line personnel and operations supervisors– Planners, engineers, and lab technicians– Superintendents and agency directors

Performance Level Guidelines

General line operations personnel and supervisors should complete training beyond Awareness Level to be able to provide skilled support services in the event of a WMD attack targeting a public works facility

Performance Level Guidelines

Planners, engineers, and lab technicians should complete training beyond Awareness Level to effectively respond to a WMD incident either within a public works facility or within the community

Planning and Management Level

Addresses training requirements for all public works supervisors– Planners, engineers, and

superintendent/agency directors employed by public works facilities

Properly trained public works managers will improve the overall effectiveness of emergency planning and preparedness for response to an incident within the local jurisdiction

Planning and Management Level Guidelines

1. Successfully complete appropriate and qualified training at Awareness and Management Levels

Planning and Management Level Guidelines

2. Know and follow Incident Command System and Unified Command System procedures and requirements

Planning and Management Level Guidelines

3. Know how to develop appropriate plans for actions to be taken by the public works agency

Planning and Management Level Guidelines

4. Know and follow self-protection and protective measures for the public and for public works emergency responders

Planning and Management Level Guidelines

5. Know and follow procedures for protecting a potential crime scene

Planning and Management Level

6. Know how to interface and integrate emergency support services and resources that are or will be needed

SUMMARY

The first six to eight hours following a terrorist attack are the most critical for public safety.

The initial emergency response depends on local personnel and equipment – the first responders.

Local emergency medical services along with the fire teams, law enforcement officers and public works personnel will be the first to arrive on the scene of an attack.

Need More Information?

Washington Military DepartmentEmergency Management DivisionDave Hodgeboom, ICS Trainerhodgeboom@emd.wa.gov

National Domestic Preparedness Office (NDPO)

Website: www. ndpo.com

Department of Justice (DOJ) Website: www.usdoj.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Website: www.fema.gov