Available Courses

The Annual University of Okoboji Emergency Management Conference covers multiple topics that relate to emergency responders, public/private entities, and non-profit organizations. Great networking opportunity for responders.

1) The registration fee is $125 per person and includes a Wednesday noon lunch, Thursday morning rolls and coffee, Thursday noon lunch, Thursday evening Coordinator BBQ (open to everyone!), and Friday morning rolls and coffee. 2) For agenda, lodging options, driving directions, and registration instructions, please go to http://www.iowaema.com/index.php/annual-conference

To register, go to http://www.iowaema.com/index.php/annual-conference.

The All Hazards Training Center at The University of Findlay has developed the Rail Car Incident Response for Crude, Ethanol, and Other Flammable Liquids training course for the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT PHMSA) to educate emergency responders on freight rail car incidents involving hazardous materials, specifically crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids. As more and more rail traffic transports cargo, including hazardous materials, it is important that the responder community become educated about the dangers and unique hazards presented with rail cars carrying these commodities. The information will enhance the ability of emergency responders to assess the scene of a rail car incident, understand the resources needed to remediate the emergency situation, including how the railroad will play a critical role in the response.

1) No special PPE required. 2) It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and some training will be outdoors. No open toed shoes. 3) Meals and travel on your own. 4) Topics discussed during training include: •Rail car design features and aspects of construction that would impact response strategies •Characteristics of chemicals and toxicology focusing on crude oil, ethanol and other flammable liquids •Hazardous materials recognition and identification strategies •Offensive, defensive,

This course examines the role of public information in managing an all-hazards incident and provides practical training in crisis communication techniques. In such an incident, it is imperative that community leaders, incident managers, and public information officers are prepared to communicate with the public through the news and social media. The course focuses on the role of public information in incident management, the information needs of the public in a crisis, and the various means of effectively communicating through the news and social media. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to manage the major elements associated with public information in a WMD, terrorism and all-hazards incident.

Lunch can be provided at a $10 fee/person that includes both days. Catering lunch will allow an earlier end time each day. If you wish to participate in the $10 lunch, please email Becca to assure you have a lunch both days. rsocknat@woodburycountyiowa.gov If you wish NOT to participate in the catered lunch, you may bring your own lunch.

This course will provide livestock producers, emergency managers, veterinarians, extension agents, veterinary technicians, rural community leaders, public and human health personnel, fire and law enforcement with tools to protect, respond to, and recover from the consequences of disasters (e.g. fire, flood, heat, earthquake, tornadoes, hurricanes, hazardous materials and catastrophic disease exposure) involving animals in rural communities. The course will introduce participants to the unique issues that must be considered and addressed when animals are involved in an emergency such as safe animal handling, animal evacuation, animal sheltering, humane euthanasia, carcass disposal, inclusion of animal management into existing ICS structures, and federal support available during recovery.

1) Travel and meals are on your own. 2) Training will be located in the basement, enter from the south side lobby doors.

This course will provide the background information needed to lead a multi-agency team of emergency planners in the development of an ESF annex for food and/or animal related disasters to supplement their community’s existing EOP. The course will address topics such as agroterrorism; detection and diagnosis; the unique challenges that rural communities face in planning for and responding to food and/or animal related disasters; utilization of Emergency Support Functions (ESF); recovery and the importance of sustainable operations during a disaster event; and mapping a community to identify areas of vulnerability and resources. All content will be presented at an all-day instructor led training that will include presentations and problem-solving activities that will be worked on in small groups.

1) Travel and meals are on your own. 2) Training will be located in the basement, enter from the south side lobby doors.