A program to learn from natural disasters like the one that ravaged Joplin, Missouri, in May of 2011, is scheduled to take place next month at Valparaiso University. Russell Shirley, Porter County Director of Emergency Management , says the program will be a discussion-based exercise on the different functions responders, whether civilian or emergency, will have in the event of a serious disaster. Shirley says when a disaster strikes it will effect everyone, not just first responders, which is why he is asking the general public to also attend.
Shirley says, at last check, they have over 300 people, from over four different states, registered for the event, which takes place on Friday, March 15^th. The program is free, but limited seating is available, and at last check Shirley says they had about 150 seats still available before the March 1^st deadline to register.

Topics covered:
The extent of damage and response to mass trauma
The emotional toll and mental health response
The community response
The need for unity of purpose
The challenges faced by first responders
Managing a massive volunteer response toward recovery
The legal lessons learned
The need for strong local and state leadership
Handling special problems; triage areas, mass shelters, morgue operations, loss of utility services, and special clinical challenges.
Limited seating is available. Please respond by March 01, 2013 to the Porter County Emergency Management Agency via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call for Tom at 219-462-8654.

Please indicate names on registration and whether ½ day or full day.
Certification of Attendance will be awarded
Continued Education Credits may be available
HSEEP Compliant

PRESENTED BY – H. DWIGHT DOUGLAS, Esq. General Counsel of Freeman Health System, Joplin, Missouri

Friday, March 15, 2013
Lecture 9:00am to noon
Exercise/Table-top discussion 1:30pm to 3:30pm
At Valparaiso University in Harre Student Union
This presentation is at no cost to you and will cover in detail the actual lessons learned.

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