Railroad Safety Training offered in #AltusOK

Railroad safety will be the focus of training conducted by a representative of Burlington Northern Santa Fe May 16 at the Southwest Technology Center, according to area emergency management officials.

Two sessions are planned.  The first is from 8 a.m. to noon and the second session is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The free training will help area first responders learn what they need to know to safely interact with railroad personnel and equipment in the event of an emergency.

Registration is encouraged since seating is limited.  To register for the morning class, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6621839099 while http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6622077813 is the link to the evening registration page.

FEMA CALLS FOR 2013 INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AWARDS SUBMISSIONS

WASHINGTON - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the application period for the 2013 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards is now open.

These awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations, Citizen Corps Councils and programs working to make our communities safer, stronger and better prepared for any disaster or emergency event. Submissions will be accepted April 22 through June 5, 2013.

To be considered for this year’s Awards, all submissions must be received by June 5, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. and are required to feature program activities taking place during the period of January 1, 2012 through June 5, 2013.  FEMA will review all entries and select the finalists.  A distinguished panel of judges from the emergency management industry will select a winner in each of the following categories:

·         Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives ·         Outstanding Local Citizen Corps Council Initiatives ·         Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives ·         Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness ·         Preparing the Whole Community ·         Awareness to Action ·         Community Preparedness Heroes

Winners of the 2013 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards will be announced in Fall 2013.

Whether it is an individual or a faith-based, non-profit, private sector, community-based, or tribal organization – everyone makes a difference in our community. Acknowledge the work you or someone you know has done to build a more resilient nation and submit an application.

Visit the following website for information on the Awards and to download instructions for submitting an application: www.ready.gov/citizen-corps-awards.

Building Your Best Hazmat Team

Building Your Best Hazmat Team The International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference offers high-quality hands-on training and classroom education all teams need to ensure effective operational response in a real emergency. Make sure your team is prepared for the next big incident. Register today!

Hands-on Training Opportunities The hands-on training provided at the Hazmat Conference ensures responders are properly prepared to respond to a real emergency situation. Hands-on training sessions include: Hazmat Officer Competency Lab Advanced Radiation Instrumentation Hazmat Scenarios - Pick Your Poison Street Smart Hazmat Response - A Refresher Class in a Book Highway Cargo Tank Damage Assessment and Emergency Response Considerations

New Session Added Crisis Decision-Making: Thinking Your Way to Success in an Emergency This presentation helps attendees at all levels understand and improve the critical skill of decision-making in crisis. The presentation uses hazardous materials, terrorism, law- enforcement and other real-life events as illustrations. Attendees will gain an understanding of the importance of effective decision making and the processes involved, learn the recognition-primed decision process and improve their decision performance. Check out the complete program today!

"Identify the Unknown" Competition The "Identify the Unknown" competition is back by popular demand! We are seeking 2-person teams to compete in scenarios that mimic a real-world response to several unidentified materials you will be provided several tools to help in your identification. Please email Chris Hawley to sign up. If you don’t have a partner and are interested in participating, we can partner you with someone.

Join the IAFC and Save on Registration Not an IAFC member? Join today and you’ll enjoy the many benefits of membership, including saving up to $100 on registration for IAFC conferences.