Center for Domestic Preparedness

Center for Domestic Preparedness

Formation	1998
Type	Federal government
Headquarters	Anniston, Alabama, United States
Parent organization	FEMA
Website	cdp.dhs.gov

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) is a training facility for emergency responders in the United States. It is operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. The CDP is located in Anniston, Alabama, and it provides advanced training for emergency response professionals in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incidents.

History

The Center for Domestic Preparedness was established in 1998 in response to the growing need for specialized training in handling domestic terrorism and other large-scale emergencies. The facility was originally part of the U.S. Army's Fort McClellan, which was closed under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The CDP was created to utilize the existing infrastructure and expertise in chemical and biological defense.

Training Programs

The CDP offers a wide range of training programs designed to prepare emergency responders for various types of incidents. These programs include:

• Resident Training: Conducted at the CDP campus in Anniston, this training includes hands-on exercises and simulations in realistic environments. Courses cover topics such as hazardous materials response, mass casualty incidents, and incident management.

• Non-Resident Training: These courses are delivered at locations across the United States, allowing responders to receive training without traveling to the CDP.

• Online Training: The CDP offers web-based courses that provide foundational knowledge and skills in emergency response.

• Train-the-Trainer Programs: These programs are designed to equip participants with the skills needed to train others in their home jurisdictions.

Facilities

The CDP campus includes several specialized training facilities, such as:

• COBRA Training Facility: The Chemical, Ordnance, Biological, and Radiological Training Facility (COBRA) is the only facility in the nation where civilian responders can train in a toxic agent environment using live agents.

• Advanced Responder Training Complex: This complex includes a variety of realistic training environments, such as a subway system, a hospital, and a school, to simulate different emergency scenarios.

• Simulation Center: A state-of-the-art facility that uses virtual reality and other technologies to enhance training realism.

Impact and Importance

The CDP plays a crucial role in enhancing the preparedness and response capabilities of emergency responders across the United States. By providing high-quality training, the CDP helps ensure that responders are equipped to handle complex and dangerous situations effectively, thereby protecting public safety and national security.

Also see

• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• United States Department of Homeland Security
• Emergency management
• CBRNE
• Base Realignment and Closure