Introduction

The objectives of training and education in emergency management are to:

- make the community aware of the hazards that face it;

- empower the community to participate in developing emergency management strategies;

- make the community aware of appropriate actions for different types of emergencies, and the organizations to which it can turn for assistance;

- enable emergency management personnel to carry out the tasks allotted to them.

A number of possible training and education strategies are suitable for different audiences and purposes. Strategy selection should be based on need, audience, purpose, and available time, money, and other resources. Training and education strategies may include (1):

- workshops, seminars, formal education programmes, or conferences;
- self-directed learning;
- individual tuition;
- exercises;
- pamphlets, videos, media advertisements, newsletters or journals;
- informal or formal presentations;
- public displays or public meetings.

This chapter describes a systematic approach to training useful for emergency management personnel and the development of public education strategies.