NCJ Number
194380
Journal
The Beacon Volume: 2 Issue: 12 Dated: September 2000 Pages: 1-6
Date Published
September 2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This newsletter for emergency responders describes programs, resources, and activities that can upgrade the knowledge and skills of those involved in responding to disasters, notably WMD (weapons of mass destruction) terrorist incidents.
Abstract
The first section of the newsletter addresses the concern of emergency responders regarding their liability for spreading contamination while attempting to save lives, along with other liability issues and State tort laws. It advises that contaminated runoff should be avoided whenever possible, but should not impede necessary and appropriate actions to protect human life and health. First responders should involve State and Federal officials as soon as possible to reduce potential liability concerns, as they provide assistance in determining clean-up and decontamination needs, health criteria, and appropriate clean-up protocols as needed. The newsletter's next section describes the Biological Weapons Improved Response Program (BW IRP). This is a multiyear analytical program designed to identify and demonstrate the best practical approaches to improve the overall preparedness of the United States in responding to domestic acts of terrorism that involve biological weapons or related materials. This article describes program design, major products, and future plans of the BW IRP. This is followed by announcements regarding the following training and information-sharing events: a National Domestic Preparedness Office "chat session" on Law Enforcement Online on September 29, 2000, that involves a discussion with William Patrick on biological terrorism; and a description of the WMD Medical Satellite Teleconference.