Starting the third class of the FEMA Basic Academy series here at DuPage County OHSEM.

This course, FEMA L01013 – Planning: Emergency Operations, talks about the importance of THIRA and the process for identifying threats in any community.

Additionally, materials were tied to all forms of government including local, county, state, and national level plans. Yep, lots of references to CPG101, CPG201, and the cornerstone doctrine the National Preparedness Goal. Lots to discuss as we crosswalk things together.

We openly discuss training requirements for USAI, SHSGP, and EMPG pros. In the past, other programs have taken a lax stance in meeting requirements. Not us. We have opted to stick with the national rules and follow the most up-to-date guidance on all activities. So yeah, your “I took that course 13 years ago” or your claim of “I should automatically be Grandfathered in” is not applicable. The famous line from In Living Color does apply, “Homey don’t play that.”

Since we have some inbound bad weather headed our way, our friends at the National Weather Service invited our class to participate in the NWS Chicago SitRep briefing.

We timed the briefing to match a class break and invited some of our partners from other states to see how the “sausage is made” by coordinating with other partner agencies with information. Basically, improving our situational awareness.

Leaving the call is one of our instructors NWS Chicago WCM Mike Bardou who just helped us teach the FEMA Basic Academy Science of Disasters. Hi Mike!

Proud to have this close working relationship with National Weather Service Chicago. Back to Planning for Emergency Operations!

@rusnivek