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Emergency responders training in today's climate are among some of the brightest citizens prepared to protect the nation and its territories. Responders are better educated and receive the most up-to-date training available.

The recent botched attempt to discharge explosive material in New York's Times Square may leave city leaders across America questioning their own levels of preparedness during an emergency.

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Ala., hosted more than 30 Girl Scouts Dec. 4. The goal of the visit was to assist the future leaders in earning the Preparedness Patch; a new program developed by the Girl Scouts of America and partnered with the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

When the Center for Domestic Preparedness, located in Anniston, Ala., was founded in 1998, it was envisioned as a resident training facility that would train a maximum of 10,000 responders per year. In FY 2009, the CDP staff trained more than 98,000 responders from across the United States and its territories, well exceeding the initial expectations of the late ‘90s.

A city is only as strong as its response force. But how does a region remain on the cusp of preparedness, especially in the wake of large events that attract thousands of spectators?

Emergency situations require quick response for the recovery and safety of those affected. Response methods aren't limited to extinguishing a fire, restoring power, or cleaning up hazardous materials. Underlying factors that may instantly affect a scene or will affect how emergency events unfold are often overlooked.

Hands-on training that provides both mental and physical challenges to emergency responders is difficult to duplicate. Few training courses require students to demonstrate solid response skills, while providing parameters and developing plans to a hazardous materials or WMD response. As the year 2010 unfolds, preparedness and response training continues to play a large role in the readiness of tod...

The man-made threat facing America and the international community is real. Reports indicate terrorists are seeking opportunities to use Chemical, Biological and Radiological methods that will result in death and disrupt daily operations.

The Center for Domestic Preparedness, located in Anniston, Ala., strives to be the training facility of choice for emergency response providers across the nation. One innovative approach to training is using stuffed animals during triage training in several courses. Responder students must prioritize the needs of the sick and wounded following a mock explosion. And what they find may be a furry ex...

The WMD threat facing today's emergency responders is frighteningly real. Recent reports show that a terrorist attack using such weapons is likely by the end of 2013. In addition to manmade events, the potential for accidental chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) hazards also exists.