This ongoing feature provides information on free resources accessible to first responder departments. This includes training, equipment, and funding opportunities, many available to rural and small to midsize communities.
U. S. Department of Transportation: Rail Incident Preparedness & Response
“The Transportation Rail Incident Preparedness and Response, Flammable Liquid Unit Trains resource materials were developed to provide critical information on best practices related to rail incidents involving hazard class 3 flammable liquids, such as crude oil and ethanol. A key component of this initiative is to learn from past experiences and to leverage the expertise of public safety agencies, rail carriers, and industry subject matter experts in order to prepare first responders to safely manage incidents involving flammable liquid unit trains. Visit their website for more information:
“These training resources offer a flexible approach to training the first responders and emergency services personnel in pre-incident planning and response. Each module contains a PowerPoint presentation, Student Workbook, and Instructor Lesson Plan. In addition to these materials, there are three interactive scenarios with animation and introduction videos to help instructors lead tabletop discussions.” Access the course materials here.
“Hazmat Transportation Security Awareness Training (free): In conjunction with the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, Compliance Solutions offers a FREE online training course for Hazardous Materials Transportation Security Awareness Training.” Students may take an exam and purchase a certificate for $35.00 if desired. Visit this link to access course information and materials
IAFC: Rural First Responders HAZMAT Training through the ALERT Grant
The International Association of Fire Chiefs free HAZMAT training through a grant funded by several organizations. "This grant was awarded by the, "U.S. Department of Transportation and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and specifically focuses on emergency response activities involving the transportation of crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids by rail". First responders can access information about the trainings and resources developed through the ALERT grant from the National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center NVFC Offers online courses as well, including; Propane Emergencies, Hydrogen Response, Ethanol Emergencies, in addition to the ALERT grant courses.
“The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) offers free training, Go to the association's homepage and click on HAZMAT, or visit this direct link. The IAFF provides training by firefighters for firefighters, more or less peer training. Much of this is funded by grants from NIOSH (60%), EPA (18%) DOE (14%) and DOT (8%). The training is federally funded and FREE.” More information on their programs can be found here.
