Workplace Essentials (WE) Emergency Preparedness
The first 3 lessons were created and provided by the Virtual Center of Excellence, a project of Detroit Wayne Community Mental Health Authority. In order to address new accessibility standards, content and format of those courses will be updated in the near future.
This training is designed to meet the MDHHS training requirement for direct care, clinical and administrative staff. It must be completed within the first 30 days of hire and may be used later as a refresher course. There is presently no minimum time frame set by MDHHS for the frequency of refresher. It may be refreshed as needed. This course addresses the following topics: national, state and local emergency preparedness; weather emergencies; fire safety; and how to prepare an emergency kit. This course will take approximately 1.0 hour to complete. It does not award any continuing education credits.
Emergency Preparedness may be taught by employers and documented in the employee's HR record or this online course may be used to meet the state training requirement in this topic area.
Understanding Emergencies, Common Types, and Prevalence
This course has been developed to provide course participants with an in-depth conversation about common emergencies that they may face outside of medical or behavioral health emergencies with their clients. This course covers the common types of emergencies (fire, weather, etc.) and the prevalence of those emergencies in daily life.
Preparation is Key
Both of the course experts have extensive expertise in emergencies services and discuss how important preparing for potential emergencies can be the actual difference between life or death. This course does provide specific examples like developing an exit plan, being familiar with the buildings that you live and work in, and having the resources prepared when the emergency occurs.
Fire Safety
Participants will be provided with a full overview of fire safety protocols include why fires occur, the various causes and types of fire, how to use a fire extinguisher, and an understanding of common policies and procedures regarding fire safety in the workplace.
Tornado Safety
Similar to fire safety, this course provides the participants with an overview of tornados and what to do to prepare. This course also provides common strategies for what to do if you are caught within a tornado.
Winter Storm Safety
The final type of emergency covered is a winter storm emergency. Once again, the course experts emphasize how important preparation is prior to the storm hitting the area.
We will be adding to this course soon to incorporate active shooters and bomb threats.
Kelly Eggers
Captain, Fire Prevention
William Niemeyer
William Niemeyer is a trainer at Community Living Services in Wayne, Michigan. After graduating from Western Michigan University in 1973, William worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Michigan. Following this, he worked in Southgate, Michigan, as an Assistant Program Director. After community living opportunities were offered to people, William began working at CLS as a Supports Coordinator and Supports Coordinator Supervisor for 19 years. He then moved into the training department and for the past eight years, has trained hundreds of direct support staff, managers and others on a variety of topics.
Mike Olver
Mike Olver has been employed at Community Living Services, Inc., since 1995. He currently works in the Training Department creating and presenting educational material with a primary focus on supporting people with ID/DD while creating a culture of gentleness in their homes. Mike attended Eastern Michigan University's School of Social Work in the early 1990s and holds a Bachelor of Science from EMU. He has experience as an Intensive Probation Officer in Washtenaw County; Job Developer in Canton, Michigan; and Supports Coordinator; Gentle Teacher; Community Supports Director in Louisville, Kentucky and currently holds the position of Trainer at CLS. He believes that when people advocate for themselves, true change takes place.
Course Progress
Course Content
What People Are Saying
My experience with this module was enlightening. I received clarification on some issues I assumed that I knew. I now have a better understanding due to my participation in this course."
