FINDLAY, Ohio — The All Hazards Training Center was established in 1986, and operates as a separate business unit within the University of Findlay.

The program provides outreach to 10,000 students across the country each year and focuses on everything from chemical hazards to global pandemics.

• The university’s All Hazards Training Center serves as ground zero for students and first responders across the country 
• The program has trained more than 250,000 people coast-to-coast over the past three decades 
• Clients span over many different areas, from food and beverage, transportation and manufacturing. to first responders and hospitals.

During these unprecedented times, educators say situational awareness is key, and they're one step ahead of the game with a crisis management team already in place. 

“You got to have a plan, you have to prepare for this kind of stuff. You don't want it to just hit you out of the blue. So very important, 

“These students are experiencing, unfortunately, a worldwide pandemic that's going to prepare them well. And they'll be the leaders we look to in the future,” said Dr. Debra Parker, UF Dean of the College of Pharmacy. 

The University of Findlay program provides 60 training and certification programs to the public and private sectors. 

Clients span over many different areas — from food and beverage, transportation and manufacturing, to first responders and hospitals.

The training center is operating remotely during this pandemic, with educators advising social distancing, isolation, and disinfecting, as well as taking a special kit when student are on the go.

“We put this little kit together, basically it's got Clorox wipes in it, it's got protective gloves, we've got both nitrile and vital gloves in here. We've got some hand sanitizer, some Kleenex and paper towels. So, as we're going to different locations, or traveling someplace, this is just a nice go to kit we can take with us,” said Smith. 

Dr. Parker says the pandemic is proving to be a real-life lesson in real time. 

“We've already seen and heard stories of facilities becoming overwhelmed and wanting to transfer patients from Michigan into northern Ohio, Toledo for example, so it's already happening,” he said.

Both Doctors Parker and Smith say they're preparing students for an anticipated return of COVID-19 during the fall. 

“You know, you look at the different diseases going around, the flu, the common cold, we've had episodes with SARS and MERS, so it is something we have to think about. And hopefully soon they can come up with a vaccine to help protect us a little better from this,” said Smith.