NTSB Advisory: NTSB to Offer New Course in Cooperation with NJ State Police

The National Transportation Safety Board is offering a two-day course - Transportation Disaster Response - A Course for Emergency Responders, at its NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia on November 18-20, 2008.

This course is designed specifically for emergency responders and planners; this course provides participants with the tools to most effectively manage a major transportation disaster. Audio/video materials, case studies, recent examples and panel discussions are employed to illustrate key principles of the unique aspects of responding to major transportation disasters.

Some of the key points that will be covered will be:

•Integrating Incident Command System and investigative processes during a transportation disaster;
•Responding to transportation events involving terrorism and/or hazardous materials;
•Maximizing resources in site security and support Staffing;
•Responding to media inquires and managing press at the Scene;
•Communicating with the local community and families of the victims;
•Providing assistance to family members;
•Forensic aspects of recovery and identification;
•Long-term issues facing the affected community following a major disaster;

Instructors will be from the NTSB, New Jersey State Police, Minneapolis Police Department and specialized FBI units. For more information please go to: http://ntsb.gov/Academy/CourseInfo/TDA402_2008.htm or contact Erik Grosof at the NTSB's Office of Transportation Disaster Assistance 202-314-6189.

Media Contact: Keith Holloway, (202) 314-6100