Denton, Texas Selected for FEMA Program
Release Date: January 31, 2001
Release Number: R6-01-04
Denton, TX -- The city of Denton has been selected to participate in a FEMA program to improve the community's emergency response procedures. Fire, law enforcement, and medical service responders will spend four-to-six months working with emergency management officials, local industry, and volunteers to review and revise procedures and to train responders.
Hundreds of accidental spills involving chemical or petroleum products occur annually on our roadways, waterways, and railways. How well is Denton prepared to handle such a disaster? Are the emergency teams in Denton prepared and trained to respond to these hazardous incidents? The Comprehensive Hazardous Materials0 Emergency Response Capability Assessment Program (CHER-CAP) will help the community answer these questions.
"There is no doubt that Denton has an effective plan now. However, with constant changes in hazards, a community needs to examine its plans and procedures regularly. This program is an opportunity to unite elements of the response community in this effort," commented Gary Jones, Acting FEMA Regional Director.
Denton was selected for this grant because of their interest in constantly improving response to hazardous materials, according to Jones. "Hazardous materials may require quick response from numerous local and state agencies and departments. We can learn from this experience before a real incident occurs."
"This program provides federal and state expertise to help develop plans, procedures, and training plus an exercise to test our emergency response. Everything is tailored to our own community needs," stated Ross Chadwick, Denton Fire Chief and Emergency Manager.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Oct-2003 10:16:59