Training & Exercises
The NIH Disaster Research Response Program encourages development of a network of trained, deployable “Research Responders.” Like all responders, researchers need training to be effective in their disaster roles. DR2 has conducted major tabletop exercises on incorporating data collection and research into disaster response and recovery. Training resources are also available for preparing scientists to conduct research in the post-disaster field environment.
Exercises by the Disaster Research Response Program
July 2016 Boston Tabletop Exercise
- Tabletop Exercise invitation letter
- NIH Disaster Research Response Workshop Participant Manual: Boston, Massachusetts, July 19, 2016
- NIH Disaster Research Response Workshop Report: Boston, Massachusetts, July 19, 2016
- Disaster Research Response: Learning from Disasters. This eight-and-a-half minute video calls for more research into the health impacts of disasters, and integration of research with response. It goes on to describe the activities of the NIH Disaster Research Response program.
- An Environmental Justice Story: Chelsea, Massachussetts. This eight-minute video uses the example of the Chelsea waterfront, where industry has had a negative impact on the nearby waterways and community for decades, to illustrate environmental injustice. It describes how neighborhoods have a direct effect on residents' morbidity and mortality, and how environmental justice can improve public health.
- Exposure: Research and Training for Emerging Health Threats. This 10-minute video marks the 50th anniversary of the National Institue of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the 30th anniversary of the Superfund program and the Worker Training program. It describes some highlights of their activities over the decades, e.g., research into the health effects of the World Trade Center collapse and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
2015 Houston Tabletop Exercise
- Disaster Research Response Project Tabletop Exercise, Evaluation Report, Houston, TX (1MB)
- A video summary is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EA1cchKVc0. The video is closed captioned and a transcript is also available.
2014 Los Angeles Tsunami Tabletop Exercise
Exercise Documents
- Disaster Research Response Tabletop Exercise Major Findings Report (3MB)
- Disaster Research Response Tabletop Exercise Webinar Presentation (9MB)
- Disaster Research Response Tabletop Exercise Participant Manual (1MB)
- Disaster Research Response Tabletop Exercise Presentation (686KB)
- A video summary is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7b50-PKbCg&feature=youtu.be
Training Resources for Disaster Researcher Deployment
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Worker Training Program (WTP)
The NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) provides high-quality occupational safety and health training to workers involved in handling hazardous materials or in responding to emergency releases of hazardous materials. Through the years, WTP trainers and trainees have responded to major disasters around the country. WTP training materials include disaster-specific guidance to keep workers and responders safe in the unique scenarios present in disasters. A new booklet is now available specifically for researchers deploying to a disaster scene, the Researcher Deployment Guide. Other training materials designed for workers may also be relevant to deployed researchers. Disaster-specific training from WTP or awardees may be available in multiple languages and formats. For more information, or to find an NIEHS Awardee who may offer training in your area, please visit the National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training.
- Researcher Deployment Guide (PDF)
- Responder & Community Resilience
- Earthquakes
- Infectious Disease Outbreaks including Ebola and H1N1
- Hurricanes & Floods
- Oil Spills
- Wildfires
- Radiological Dispersion Devices
- Chemical and Biological Terrorism
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)