The Academy for International Disaster Preparedness (AIDP) at Florida International University will conduct its Disaster Field Course Simulation as part of its efforts to train more than 120 participants, including students and individuals from participating agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to be the future leaders in disaster management. The simulation is expected to be one of the largest interagency disaster simulations in the State of Florida this year.
The event will take place at FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus, July 14-17, 2023. Each day takes participants through the different stages of a disaster operation—from setting up camp to collaborating with partners to help meet the needs of impacted communities. The scenario is a Category 5 hurricane. Participants will learn firsthand what is needed to lead a response – leveraging assets that are typically used in similar situations, such as helicopters to survey disaster areas and marine vessels to help cross hard-to-reach areas.
Along with distributing humanitarian aid and coordinating with multiple agencies, participants will experience the realities of deployment, sleeping on site in cots and consuming MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat). Participating agencies include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), U.S. Coast Guard, City of Miami Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida Department of Health, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Department of Fire Rescue, Air Rescue Unit, DHL, and participating NGOs like Food For The Poor and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM).
All will work together to utilize resources, share information, and assist participants in gaining knowledge that will prepare them for a career in disaster management.
AIDP offers the Disaster Field Course Simulation through its 11-month graduate degree program, offered in-person or online, to help develop and improve the skills of disaster practitioners and those interested in entering the field of disaster management.
The program is ranked No. 4 by Best Accredited Colleges and No. 2 by OnlineMastersDegree.com. The program has graduated over 300 students since 2015.