Classroom lectures/discussions, case studies and discussions, small-group planning sessions, and practical exercises will expose participants to new ideas and increase their awareness. For the emergency exercise, each participant is assigned a role similar to his/her real-life position. The course is designed to help individuals and communities identify potential deficiencies in emergency plans and/or staff knowledge so that these weaknesses can be corrected prior to an actual emergency.

The instructional methods used in the classroom are designed to challenge individuals and communities to examine emergency policies, plans, and procedures and to identify needed improvements. In this manner, corrective actions can be taken prior to major emergencies or catastrophic disasters.