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Fire departments trained in handling hazardous material By COURTNEY MARTIN, LTN Staff Writer Nov. 23 - Howard’s Creek Fire Department brushed up on hazardous material decontamination in a refresher course last week. It is part of the training that the county’s fire departments, rescue squads and law enforcement personnel receive to stay informed of techniques to contain nuclear and hazardous materials. It’s also helps prepare local firefighters in case of terrorist activity. Susan Ledford, Director of Lincoln County Emergency Management, said the classes are designed “to make all the members aware of what to do in a terrorist or any situation.” Capt. Ronnie Rudisill, who has been a volunteer at Howard’s Creek for about 26 years, said it helped to hear about all the departments in the classes. “When we get on the scene, each department knows what the others are doing,” Rudisill said. Gary Withers, who conducted the course, said each department in the county is responsible for some aspect of the decontamination efforts during a nuclear situation or some other emergency. Howard’s Creek is responsible for decontaminating those people and vehicles coming out of affected areas. Lincoln County Emergency Management’s recent purchase of a portable decontamination shower would be helpful in that task. Emergency personnel were shown the equipment and techniques they would use in an emergency situation. The shower and training can be used for more than just in connection with McGuire Nuclear Station. They can be used at gas spills and at some manufacturing plants that have hazardous materials. “You always learn something when you attend classes like this,” said Capt. Terry Wright, of the West Lincoln Rescue Squad. “It’s good to brush up. Everything changes from day to day.” He has been with the squad for about 10 years. Withers, who is the Fire Service Instructor for Gaston College and has worked for the City of Gastonia Fire Department for 19 years, said there were 20-25 people at each of the classes he has taught so far in Lincoln County. “That’s pretty good,” he continued. “These people don’t get paid for this.” The classes from Gaston College have been offered to all the departments in the county, they are trying to schedule them all. “Susan (Ledford) is doing a good job,” said Withers. “She wants everyone to be prepared.” The classes are a regular occurrence and are not due to recent events. Included in the course is training in case of nuclear disaster, hazardous material spill, fire with toxic chemicals and dealing with biological agents like Anthrax. There is a federally mandated drill every two years in connection with nuclear stations. Lincoln County had one Aug. 14 and “passed with flying colors,” said Ledford. They didn’t receive any negative marks, but haven’t gotten the actual numbers back yet.
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