WASHINGTON DC - 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.
 Select "Our Courses" and then select IS-55 from the list of courses. A
 brochure about this course is also available for download from the
 website.

 USFA is a part of FEMA. Both USFA and FEMA are a part of the Department of
 Homeland Security.