A Sunday with Hazmat

Imagine a quiet Sunday morning with very little traffic and you’re on your way out of town. Your mind is on your trip when you look up to see a plethora of fire trucks and sheriff’s cars; all lights flashing. When you realize exactly which building they are surrounding your curiosity really kicks in; curiosity combined with a little fear. Well that is precisely what happened this past Sunday as I was on my way out of town to visit my mom. I couldn’t help myself I had to find out what was going on.
Having just turned down Walton Way headed for highway 25, I looked to my left to see all these fire trucks. Sheriff’s were cars blocking entrances and exits, Hazmat vehicles with personnel turned out in Hazmat suits walking towards the post office on the 9th street side in Augusta. They had surrounded the building. As much as my curiosity was peaked, I knew better than to approach or get in the way so I continued with my plans. However, upon my return I knew I had to find out what had happened at the main post office. I had to find out if it was a fire or a bomb or even suspicious material, therefore when I got home I started making phone calls. Thankfully, it turned out to be a training exercise in conjunction with Homeland Security. The scenario was that Anthrax had been detonated in the post office, consequently all proper authorities were notified and all proper emergency vehicles responded. Augusta’s fire stations 2, 3 & 4, Hazmat, Rescue 1, Health Department, DECON, an Aerial truck from the Reynolds Street station, FBI, Postal Police and Homeland Security were all on hand. These drills are designed not only to demonstrate what these emergency teams can do but what, if anything, they can learn. These drills also give the community a sense of what the Fire Department does as well as giving the community a sense of security.
The Fire Companies that arrive on the scene first, or first responders, are not dressed out as only the Hazmat Companies have the proper equipment to deal with certain scenarios. The first arrivals set up what they call zones. They cannot and do not go into the “hot zone” but if they do and are contaminated they cannot be taken to local hospitals for fear of contaminating the hospitals, patients or other civilians therefore they are expendable. The entrances and exits are blocked off, no one in or out unless in proper turn out gear. It was a relief to know nothing major had occurred. It was also comforting to know that even though they are across the river, they are well trained; just in case.
Then I made the decision to speak with someone here thinking our fire fighters may have also had this drill. They had not, but I did find out from Sgt. Eakins that we have nothing to worry about here. Our fire personnel train constantly, taking into account every conceivable scenario in order to protect us. In addition, I am quite sure, if by chance we needed help, those fine fire fighters across the river would lend a helping hand.
Sidebar: Did you know that now the American Red Cross requires a background check for anyone who wants to volunteer, is a current volunteer, is on the board, or is currently employed by them? This stemmed from fraud during the Katrina incident by some Red Cross workers. It is not a bad idea but they require you to do it on line thereby laying you open to the possibility of someone stealing your information such as your social security number.