April 25, 2005

Homeland security training offered
as new continuing ed program

Public officials and business owners seeking ways to operate more securely post-Sept. 11 can take a new six-week course in emergency preparedness starting May 17 at Sacramento State's College of Continuing Education.

"Introduction to Emergency Management and Homeland Security" will be offered on Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., May 17 to June 21, in Napa Hall. The course provides 1.8 continuing education units.

The course will offer an overview of state and federal homeland security programs and examine strategies for maintaining operations during a crisis, managing crisis communications, and planning emergency preparedness exercises. The course will be taught by Rocky Saunders, an analyst with the state's Office of Emergency Services and formerly the California Legislature's principal consultant on emergency preparedness. There will also be guest presentations by homeland security experts, emergency management planners, and emergency first responders.

Development of this course reflects a nationwide movement that began after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks to help government agencies and publicly held companies demonstrate that they're prepared to protect employees and maintain operations in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Sacramento State joins a growing number of California universities to offer instruction in this area. The College of Continuing Education plans to develop a certificate program in this subject.

More information about the course is available from the College of Continuing Education at (916) 278-4433. Media assistance is available from Sacramento State Public Affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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