CHARLESTON, W.Va.–The West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) is pleased to announce the first course of its newly formed Emergency Management University.

Developed in conjunction with software developer NC4 and Ohio County Emergency Management Director Lou Vargo, the inaugural “Introduction to E Team” course focuses on the browser-based system currently used by the state during disasters. E Team allows county and local emergency managers to exchange information, including requests for assistance, with the state.

The goal of the course is to educate personnel on its use and capabilities.
“WVEMD will lead the way through future emergency activations by increasing our ability to help the citizens of West Virginia on a more rapid basis,” said W.Va. Emergency Management Council President Dean Meadows.

While this is an introductory course, more advanced offerings are currently in development. The class will be delivered regionally beginning in April.
To increase competency and knowledge within the division, WVEMD is instituting an internal training program for all employees to include Foundational, Positional and Activation courses.

“Emergency Management University was created to allow us to take our new internal training program to the county and local level as well,” said WVEMD Director G.E. McCabe. “Blended with what FEMA has to offer, we expect the emergency managers of West Virginia to continue to be some of the most knowledgeable and best trained in the nation.”

According to WVEMD Research and Planning Deputy Director Dr. Matt Blackwood, “The new training platform, Emergency Management University, will be a one-stop-shop for all emergency management training opportunities in West Virginia.”

The Research and Planning Section is responsible for ensuring that all planning, training, and exercise needs of WVEMD and its stakeholders are met, while empowering stakeholders with the basics of emergency management and homeland security to support West Virginia’s citizens, strengthen communities, and build a statewide culture of preparedness.

For more information, contact Lora Lipscomb, public information officer for the West Virginia Emergency Management Division and Department of Homeland Security at 304-558-5380.