A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

START’s TRACC receives FEMA approval

Training in Risk and Crisis Communication for homeland security professionals

START’s Training in Risk and Crisis Communication (TRACC) program has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for inclusion in its sponsored course catalog. The National Training and Education Division State and Federal Sponsored Course Catalog is an online list of training courses that states, territories and urban area representatives may participate in using Homeland Security Grant Program funds. Courses from the State and Federal catalog are selected because they are viewed as helping to enhance the capabilities of state and local emergency preparedness.

“FEMA approval increases our ability to make this research-based training more accessible to a most important audience,” said William Braniff, executive director of START. “These courses were designed specifically to fill gaps in the risk communication training currently available, and will therefore help first responders on the front lines responding to crises and disasters within our country.”

TRACC is a social science, research-based curriculum developed and presented by START and funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s Resilient Systems Division. It is the first START program to be included in FEMA’s State and Federal Sponsored Course Catalog.

Through three flexible training modules that can be completed independently of one another or as a comprehensive program, TRACC aims to help organizations plan effective communication before, during and after a crisis.

Modules include:

  • Audience Analysis and Engagement
  • Media Relations
  • Crisis Communication Simulation

Those who complete TRACC coursework also have the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the University of Maryland, which recently accredited the program.

Those interested in TRACC training through the State and Federal Sponsored Course Catalog (DHS-125-RESP found on page 323) and others interested in learning more about TRACC or arranging training should contact infostart@start.umd.edu.