Pantex holds hazardous materials briefings for local first responders

On December 13th and 17th, the Pantex Emergency Management Department held briefings for local emergency services about how to keep themselves safe during possible hazardous material emergencies at Pantex that could affect surrounding jurisdictions. Local first responders such as fire department, law enforcement, and public health teams as well as Pantex’s own off-site liaison teams attended the briefings to learn what they could expect and how to prepare in the event of an emergency that requires response or mutual aid from the local stations.

Chuck Rives, Pantex senior emergency hazards analyst and presenter at the event said, “We provided this presentation to help them be ready to respond to emergency that could come from Pantex, so that we can help them know what the dangers are, what kinds of materials that could be coming from the plant, and what they need to do about them.”

In the past, these sorts of briefings were given to high-level individuals. This is the first year that the briefing was given to all first responders from chief to officer.

“We want them to feel like they get the honest truth from us, so they know what the real hazards are,” Rives said. “Now they have solid information and can be confident in what they’re doing.”

In addition to the mutual aid given by Pantex emergency personnel in the local communities, these presentations promote further open dialogue and cooperation with local authorities.