**GAO-08-23**                      Published: Oct 19, 2007. Publicly Released: Oct 19, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

Since 1988, the Department of State (State) has ordered over 270 evacuations from overseas posts due to civil strife, terrorist incidents, natural disasters, conventional war threats, and disease outbreaks. To prepare for evacuation, overseas posts rely on a variety of guidance, plans, and training, such as Emergency Action Plans (EAP). GAO was asked to assess State's (1) guidance and plans to prepare for evacuation, (2) training and exercises to prepare post staff for crisis, and (3) efforts to collect, analyze, and incorporate evacuation lessons learned into guidance and training. GAO examined State and Department of Defense (DOD) documents, spoke with State and DOD officials, conducted a survey of 243 overseas posts, and completed 22 structured interviews with State personnel.

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## Topics

Human Capital

Americans abroadEmergency managementEmergency preparednessEmergency responseEmergency response personnelEmergency response plansEmergency response proceduresEmployee trainingEvacuationForeign governmentsInteragency relationsInternational cooperationLessons learnedPolicy evaluationProgram evaluationStrategic planningEvacuation of civiliansPolicies and proceduresProgram coordinationProgram implementation