Though few terrorists have struck in this country, the Alpharetta and Roswell fire departments will be prepared if one occurs, even for weapons of mass destruction. Perhaps more importantly, the departments will be ready for a major chemical spill, a far more likely occurrence. The city is making sure its hazmat (hazardous materials) specialists know their job in the event of an emergency. More than 100 firefighters and a few police officers from Alpharetta and Roswell are finishing training that leads to hazmat technician status. The emergency service personnel will spend 64 hours in classroom and hands-on training to teach them how to contain hazardous materials. Fire departments nationwide in the 1970s went through a huge training and philosophical change when they added emergency medical services to their training. Now firefighters are expected to be the first line of defense in the event of a terrorist attack or a chlorine leak at the water plant. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.