As an organized team, they can provide vital services in the absence of emergency responders, whose arrival may be delayed due to the scope of the event. One study of particular impact was released in June 1990 by the Urban Institute of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte on the lessons learned from Hurricane Hugo. Hugo struck Charlotte after traveling 200 miles inland while maintaining hurricane force winds that did damage estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Continuing Education is scheduled after graduation from the Academy. Each class lasts for 2 hours each week and reading assignments are given at the end of each class.
Lecture is supported by video, slides, and other audio visual aids.
Lecture time gives way to practical, tabletop, and team building exercises wherever possible. A disaster simulation is staged to allow students to apply their newly acquired skills in a realistic environment with multiple casualties. Additional private study can be accomplished by taking the FEMA Home Study course available through the County Emergency Management Office. Continuing Education is available to those graduates interested in becoming better trained in a specific area. These areas of study would be taught by personnel from the various departments and associated agencies that normally respond to disaster events.