The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) announce the release of a web-based safety program focused on reducing the number of deaths and injuries in the home. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: A GUIDE FOR CITIZENS is an on-line independent study course designed and presented by FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) to educate and prevent injuries occurring in the home.

"Of the over two million poison exposures reported to poison control centers, 92 percent occurred in the home," USFA Administrator R. David Paulison said. "To help minimize this problem we are proud to announce a new web-based independent study course for all Americans and first responders. Homeland Security starts at home and this program is intended to protect Americans from common household chemicals found at home."

This on-line course will introduce Americans to household hazardous materials and teach them steps that can be taken to protect themselves, their families and their communities.

In the first unit, the participant can learn about basic chemical and physical properties, the ways chemicals enter the body, and the effects chemicals have on the body.
In the second and third units, the participant can learn about cleaning products, lead, mercury, gasoline, compressed gases, carbon monoxide, medical supplies, chlorine, pesticides and much more.

In the last two units, the student/participant is introduced to and is able to review common labels, personal protective equipment, proper disposal methods, less toxic alternatives, and preventive measures to take before natural disasters occur.

This course is available online as an interactive web-based course. To access the course materials and complete the exam go to the EMI Independent Study Program website at: http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/IS/is55.asp