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CHER-CAP is a community-based planning, training, assessment and exercise program that originally focused on preparing communities to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials. Developed by FEMA Region VI in 1989 and expanded to all FEMA regions in 2000, the initiative has helped scores of local communities and tribal governments identify emergency planning deficiencies, update plans, train first responders and test their hazardous materials response systems for strengths and needed improvements.
The program is undergoing a major reorientation to an all hazards approach. In recognition of its all-hazards, community-based orientation, the program is being renamed the Community Hazards Emergency Response - Capability Assurance Process. It will utilize a comprehensive capability assurance methodology that includes risk assessment, a review and crosswalk of emergency operations planning and standard operating procedures, connecting training resources with needs, both tabletop and peer-evaluated full-scale exercises, reporting, documentation and sustaining continual improvements.
A full-scale CHER-CAP field exercise typically involves a mass casualty scenario that fully involves the local first responder community, including law enforcement, fire services, search and rescue, hospitals and emergency medical systems, HAM operators, and volunteers, as well as elements of the state and federal response structure. The program has been highly acclaimed for its success in improving a community's ability to prepare for and respond to HAZMAT and mass casualty events.
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