Volunteers learn to respond to hazardous materials in Rockwall

(ROCKWALL, TX – July 28, 2015) Members of Rockwall CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and EastTex CERT became a lot more knowledgeable about types of hazardous materials – and what to do in the event of a disaster or terrorist attack involving them – during the Hazardous Safety Awareness Course hosted by the Rockwall Fire Department and Rockwall CERT on Saturday.

The eight-hour course held at the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office included lessons introducing the students to hazardous materials, identification of hazardous materials, actions that awareness level responders can take at a hazardous materials incident, and the use of hazardous materials by terrorists. Students also had the opportunity to participate in some hands-on training by trying on a Level A and Level B Hazardous Materials PPE, setting up and operating a Hazardous Materials Decontamination Tent, and participating in a small-scale hazardous materials scenario.

Rockwall Fire Inspector/Investigator Paul Ayres, who headed the class’s instruction, said one of the most important things emergency responders can learn when it comes to hazardous materials is to always err on the side of caution and be as accurate as possible when reporting the scene to first responders.

“CERT responders – especially here in Rockwall – have been a lot more active with emergency responses, and hazardous materials is one of those types of scenes that you really have to be careful, be aware of what’s going on, and know when to step back and take it a little bit slower.”

However, being able to properly identify the hazardous materials is only part of a CERT member’s responsibilities while on the scene. Ayres explained that keeping others out of harm’s way should be the top priority for emergency responders during these types of situations.

“Our team members need to know who to notify and what areas to cordon off,” Ayres said. “Those are a few things they can do to keep things safer until first responders get there. Honestly that’s the most important part is making sure people aren’t getting in there who aren’t supposed to be.”

Participant Ken Foley, a new member to the Rockwall CERT team who recently moved to the area, said the course was very informative and appreciated the effort by Rockwall Fire and Rockwall CERT to raise more awareness about hazardous materials.

“It’s initially overwhelming in terms of information, but I think the concept is that you pull out pieces a little bit at a time and those pieces start to become more meaningful to you,” Foley said. “I think it’s great that they expose people to this kind of stuff. Awareness is what it’s all about.”

For more information about Rockwall CERT visit http://www.rockwall.com/FireDepartment/cert.asp.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News staff writer and reporter.