History demonstrates that disasters and emergencies often interrupt, degrade, or destroy local government’s ability to perform essential functions. This is especially true in rural communities where resources are typically limited under the best of circumstances. These jurisdictions must develop plans that address succession planning, redundant communications, and alternate site needs for their communities to face natural and manmade threats. The environment after a disaster can be chaotic, which is why it is important to have a plan in place that is specific yet flexible enough to respond to any situation.

The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) is providing government officials and emergency responders in the Cincinnati, Ohio area with the development of continuity plans that will help officials ensure essential government services remain functional across a spectrum of emergencies. Continuity of Government Operations Planning for Rural Communities will be from 8am to 5pm on Feb. 4, 2016 at Symmes Township Public Safety Building, 8871 Weekly Lane, Cincinnati. Participants will learn about the business continuity process, including identifying key functions necessary to their business operations, assessing the likelihood of potential emergencies in their communities, determining the adequacy of existing resources, and writing a business continuity plan. Participants will then have the opportunity to test their plan in the context of a tabletop exercise

This course will expose participants to the benefits of developing continuity of government plans for rural communities with special focus on succession planning, delegation of authority, redundant communications, and alternate facilities.

Registration for this course is required – Registration deadline is Jan. 21, 2016 at 5 p.m.

To register contact: To register http://goo.gl/forms/HV6RAQwGnw or visit http://goo.gl/forms/HV6RAQwGnw.

Questions? Contact Barry Webb at Barry.Webb@hamilton-co.org or 513-263-8059.

The course was developed by the NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s Institute of Corporate and Public Safety in partnership with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., and J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., as well as with public sector first responders.

All training delivered by RDPC is certified by DHS and is offered tuition-free for a broad scope of stakeholders, including the traditional emergency response disciplines, and other emergency support functions as defined by the National Response Framework, as well as critical infrastructure owners and operators.

RDPC is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Training and Education Division (NTED) partnership of academic institutions with a vision of creating an environment wherein rural communities across America will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to enhance the safety, security, and quality of life for their citizens.

Current members of the Consortium include Eastern Kentucky University, The University of Findlay, NorthWest Arkansas Community College, North Carolina Central University, and University of California-Davis. Each of these institutions possesses extensive and unique capabilities relating to rural homeland security preparedness training.

The Center for Rural Development (The Center) in Somerset, KY is the Executive Agent for the RDPC. As Executive Agent, The Center provides grant administration and general oversight of the consortium. Additionally, The Center is responsible for marketing, website hosting and administration, delivery coordination, data collection and reporting, and additional technologies including a large network of interactive television (ITV), videoconferencing, and learning management systems necessary to manage large student populations and deliver courses to rural responders across the nation.

For more information or to request training – visit www.ruraltraining.org. The RDPC help desk is also available at info@ruraltraining.org or 877-855-7372.