More than 90 emergency responders gathered at the DuPont Edge Moor plant recently to participate in a full day of hazardous material handling and emergency response training.
The training was part of the 2008 Delaware Emergency Management Agency's (DEMA) Hazardous Material Conference. DEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery and mitigation services.
According to David Irwin from the New Castle County Local Emergency Planning Committee, managing a major response - especially a complex, multi-jurisdictional response - is one of the most important challenges facing emergency responders today. "Effective coordination and communication among emergency personnel is a key factor in ensuring successful responses to major incidents," said Irwin.
For these reasons, local, state, federal and corporate emergency responders, and firefighting professionals from around Delaware gathered at the Edge Moor facility for hands-on training with equipment and to fine-tune techniques that emergency responders would use in a real incident. Training included educational and safety demonstrations along with simulated scenarios for handling hazardous materials.
"We welcome the opportunity to train with fellow emergency responders at our site," said Al Donofrio, DuPont Edge Moor senior security and safety consultant. "Our personnel are often sought out because of our training and preparedness in handling hazardous material. The Edge Moor site provides a realistic training atmosphere," Donofrio stated.
Agencies participating in the training included the Delaware National Guard, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, New Castle County Local Emergency Planning Commitee, DuPont, Rohm and Haas, Ciba, Perdue, and the Cranston Heights, Elsmere and Wilmington Fire Departments.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
