NORTH
CENTRAL FLORIDA
LOCAL
EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
2009 NW 67th Place,
Gainesville FL 32653-1603 -- (352) 955-2200 x108 -- fax 955-2209
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NORTH
CENTRAL FLORIDA
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Problem: The first problem is that these departments can not afford the time or cost involved in sending individuals away to receive the required training. While it is recognized that some departments can send individuals to training. The time involved in sending one person at a time would dramatically prolong the time until the NCFRHMT could respond as an effect team.
The District 3 LEPC has been very successful in providing Hazmat training to first responders. One main reason is because we hire part-time instructors and send them to the different counties to make it easier for local responders to attend. HMEP funds will all be used this coming year on awareness, operations and CAMEO classes. Funding is needed to expand this proven approach too more advanced (with more hands on) training.
The second problem is that there is currently no funding source available to obtain and deploy the equipment necessary for the "Initial Response Teams" to respond safely to a hazardous materials incident or a terrorist incident involving hazardous materials. The cost for the trailer and equipment (Level "A" & "B" suits, absorbents, detectors, etc…) are beyond the budgets available to these responders. .
Proposal: Contract with an individual or individuals to provide standardized technician level hazardous materials training directly to the agencies that are participants in the NCFRHMT. This training will be delivered locally and on a schedule that encourages local participation. Purchase and deliver to the four rural Counties in our team identical equipped trailers that will be used by the "Initial Response Teams" in the event of a hazardous materials incident or a terrorist incident involving hazardous materials.
Expected Results: The level of Hazmat training will be increased in each county. An instructor will have taught technician level classes in each county on a schedule that allows local responders to attend. Since the classes are standardized, if a class is missed then it can be made-up in a nearby county.
Local emergency management and response officials will be able to more quickly make critical public safety decisions regarding the threats posed by an accidental chemical release or a terrorist threat. This includes decisions made on sheltering in-place versus evacuation, defining hot zones, and evaluating the risk and benefits of doing emergency rescues.
Local responders will be able to establish decontamination operations, allowing quicker entry after the arrival of the Technical Response Team. The use of a standardized response trailer will make it easier for trained responders from different counties to effectively work together under difficult conditions.
A cost-effective approach to providing regional Hazmat response coverage
in a rural area will have been demonstrated. This project will demonstrate
that the District Hazmat Team project of the SERC is not only feasible, but
also cost effective in the rural areas that currently lack a timely Hazmat
coverage.
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