In the event of a school-based emergency or crisis, preparedness, effectiveness and fast action are critical. For schools in rural areas, these concepts take on even more importance due to geographic location and other important factors.

However, with appropriate readiness, training and key partnerships, school administrators, rural law enforcement and other emergency responders will be at the ready to react and manage the emergency situation at hand.

The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC), which is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Training and Education Division (NTED), partnership of academic institutions, is bringing an instructor-led, Department of Homeland Security-Certified Course to our region for just this very purpose.

The course, AWR 148 Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents: Partnering Rural Law Enforcement and the Local School Systems, will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Gig Harbor Civic Center Training Room, 3510 Grandview St., Gig Harbor. This course will provide participants a groundwork of knowledge and skills to establish a school-based emergency response plan along with a crisis management team. Key learning and skill building will be accomplished through information sharing and training.

In addition to school administrators, other stakeholders, such as those who work in the fields of emergency management, emergency medical services, fire services, governmental administrative, law enforcement, public safety communications and public works are also encouraged to join and attend this course.

In order to participate and attend this class, registration is required. Convenient online registration is available here. All interested parties must be registered by the registration deadline date at 5 p.m. Feb. 6.

There is no charge to attend the course.

The mission and vision of the RDPC is to create an environment where rural communities across America will have the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to enhance the safety, security and quality of life for their citizens.

The RDPC also provides a robust selection of self-paced online training programs, resources, helpful links and much more.

To learn more about the RDPC organization and for more information about their educational and informational offerings or to request training, visit them at www.ruraltraining.org or contact The Center for Rural Development at 606.677.6000.