Caddo and Bossier Parishes Selected for FEMA's CHER-CAP 

Release Date: July 21, 2000
Release Number: R6-00-21

DENTON, Texas -- Caddo and Bossier Parishes have been selected to participate in FEMA's Comprehensive Hazmat Emergency Response - Capability Assessment 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 are Caddo and Bossier prepared to handle such a disaster? Are the emergency teams in Caddo and Bossier prepared and trained to respond to these hazardous incidents? This program will help the community answer these questions.

"There is no doubt that Parishes of Caddo and Bossier have 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 R. L. "Buddy" Young, FEMA Regional Director.

The State selected Caddo and Bossier for this grant because of their interest in constantly improving their response to hazardous materials, according to Col. Michael L. Brown, State Director of the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness. "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 Chuck Mazziotti, Director of the Caddo-Bossier Office of Emergency Preparedness.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 03-Dec-2003 13:39:27