Emergency management professionals must meet local, state and federal continuing education requirements. This is typically accomplished through participating in mandatory seminars, workshops and conferences. Many of these programs are hosted through FEMA’s one and only Emergency Management Institute (EMI). The EMI is the federally approved training institution for licensed, publicly employed emergency management professionals. Readers can review a list of typical courses offered through the EMI here.
Basic Continuing Education Classes
A common class for emergency management office staff is a basic orientation to FEMA logistics. This class provides a comprehensive overview of standard logistics functions, role accountability and organizational relationships. Students will understand the standard practices for emergency management logistics operations from a federal perspective. Classes on managerial safety and health are for management personnel to help them understand their roles and responsibilities for workplace safety and health. This class reviews new executive orders, legislative standards, state regulations and county policies that govern safety and health programs.
Emergency management leaders who are employed by the government may be required to take a public information refresher course that provides a review of information dissemination during public safety events and emergency management crises. Common topics covered include public information tools, resources, community outreach and communication standards. Class participants learn how to understand target audiences, use online and traditional media tools and maintain positive media relationship with the news media. They will also learn how to create and execute public awareness campaigns.
Advanced Continuing Education Classes
Emergency management personnel must stay up-to-date on emerging technology trends. This includes classes on social media usage during disasters and emergencies. Social media is a powerful technology for broadcasting messages to the public and communicating with local emergency managers and members of the public in need. Emergency managers must understand how to use social media technologies to provide up to date information during emergencies. Social media platforms like Facebook allow emergency managers to share data and media through texts, videos, and pictures. Class participants will learn about the challenges of using social media platforms during the different phases of emergency management.
Resource: Top 10 Doctorate Degrees in Emergency Management Online 2016-2017
Classes on military emergency management operations provide participants with an overview of hidden military resources that are potentially available to local governments. Students learn about the processes and procedures for obtaining military resources and integrating them into disaster response and recovery operations. Participants will understand key terminology and vernacular used by the military for emergency management resources. University and school district administrators in charge of emergency management may take classes on Incident Command System (ICS) basics for educational organizations. Participants will learn how to use the ICS model and practices for school-based incidents and systems.
A bachelor’s degree in emergency management is recommended for anyone who wants a long-term career in emergency management. These degrees include classes in fire, medical and emergency services administration, which introduces students to various emergency services programs and departments. Students learn how to anticipate challenges and manage change through analytical tools and management techniques. There will also be classes on disaster planning, response and management.