Category C: Resources and Tools

Air Quality Modeling will present a variety of the current modeling tools available to OSCs and their contractors for use in emergency response and removal actions. The session will examine the basic theory of dispersion modeling and associated data collection needs. Specific topics include:

When is a "given" more appropriate for the needs of an OSC
How to best utilize the models' output to convince stakeholders (such as, local residents and politicians) to undertake a specific course of action
Where OSCs can obtain information about these models from the field
Also included is a discussion about the new EPA Guidance on Air Quality Models. Case studies will be used to illustrate various field applications for modeling. This session does not provide training related to CAMEO or ALOHA.

Basic Air Monitoring will provide OSC's an understanding of the process of monitoring airborne contaminants during an emergency action, along with experience in applying the techniques for doing so. Instructional methods include a combination of lectures and hands-on use of instruments.
**The OSC RTB recommends this course for new OSCs.

Data Management Issues, Tools, and Resources for OSCs will focus on data management and the available tools and resources for collecting, analyzing, managing, and disseminating information relevant to emergency response and site work. This course also will discuss aspects of information and data management experienced during large-scale emergency responses and removal actions, and will include several case studies that highlight data management tools and techniques used by OSCs. Several topics that will be discussed include:

Data management issues (field operations vs. "feeding the beast")
Mass data collection, accuracy, integrity, and consistency
Public dissemination of information and communicating risk

In addition, the course will include a discussion of the available tools for field sampling data management as well as provide a basic awareness of geographic information systems (GIS) software and data and their capabilities and limitations. The course also examines the available resources for publishing or disseminating analytical and spatial data such as the OSC web page and EPA's Office of Environmental Information.

Incident Command System/Unified Command (ICS/UC) will provide OSCs an overview of the organizational management concept of the UC as it fits in the ICS for emergency response. During the half-day course, participants will review the principles and features of the National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS), a system recommended by the National Response Team (NRT) as the base-incident management system. The course includes discussions of EPA's Response Management Policy for the application and use of the ICS during emergency response events. The course includes several case studies that demonstrate how OSCs in various regions use the UC to their advantage during emergency responses. During mock emergency scenarios, OSCs will develop UC organizational structures based on resources available through the NRS and in the regions. Course materials have been developed from training materials in the Incident Command National Training Curriculum.
**The OSC RTB recommends this course for new OSCs.

Risk Communication with a framework and basic principles for communicating risk. One of the most difficult tasks an OSC must perform is to clearly communicate the risk associated with a response. An OSC's audience for risk communication varies from concerned citizens and elected officials to the news media and the type of risk to be communicated varies across the wide spectrum of the types of responses made by OSCs. The course includes response scenario exercises during which OSCs will apply the principles of risk communication to specific situations that OSCs encounter regularly.
By taking this course, participants will:

Learn how to effectively prepare for general public and media interactions and avoid miscommunications and pitfalls
Explore the principles and rationale behind risk communication techniques and gain a better understanding of their importance
Examine the critical role of key messages and, through interactive examples, learn how to develop key messages for use in situations involving communication with the general public or media
Learn three critical questions to explore when preparing for public meetings or media interviews

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