Chesapeake, Virginia Picked as New CHER-CAP Site
Release Date: February 28, 2001
Release Number: R3-01-05
Philadelphia, PA -- FEMA Region III has selected the City of Chesapeake, Virginia to participate in the Comprehensive HAZMAT Emergency Response-Capability Assessment Program (CHER-CAP). CHER-CAP is a FEMA program to improve a community's emergency response procedures. Chesapeake is partnering with surrounding communities, including Virginia Beach, for the program that will cumulate in a full-scale exercise later this year.
Chesapeake was selected for this program because of their interest in constantly improving their response to hazardous materials incidents. 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. CHER-CAP uses the skills of local, State and Federal Governments and industry to identify and address the local community's HAZMAT preparedness needs.
Hundreds of accidental spills involving chemical or petroleum products occur annually on our roadways, waterways, and railways. How well is Chesapeake prepared to handle such a disaster? Are the emergency teams prepared and trained to respond to these hazardous incidents? CHER-CAP will help the community answer these questions and prepare for emergencies.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-Sep-2003 09:47:07