The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last May published a new terrorism preparedness planning guidance for state and local governments. Much of the information also is useful for meeting planners seeking guidance on developing risk management, contingency planning, and disaster control plans for their meetings and conventions.

It includes information and a framework for developing supplemental emergency operations plans to address the consequences of terrorist acts involving weapons of mass destruction

The guidance, Attachment G - Terrorism, is a supplement to Chapter 6 of FEMA's State and Local Guide 101, Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning. The document is posted on the FEMA Web site at www.fema.gov/pte/gaheop.htm. Printed copies can be ordered from FEMA, P.O. Box 2102, Jessup, MD 20794-2012; fax (301) 362-5335; phone (800) 480-2520.

The terrorism planning guidance is the result of a coordinated effort involving FEMA, the National Emergency Management Association, the International Association of Emergency Managers, and the Federal Departments of Justice, Defense, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Information on disaster prevention from hurricanes, tornados, floods, and earthquakes also is available at the FEMA Web site at http://www.fema.gov/dizprevent.htm.

Other excellent resources for contingency planning can be found at http://www.ContingencyPlanning.com.

For full coverage of the aftermath of 9/11, go to Meetingsnet 9/11 Special Report