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Sept 25-27 Hazmat Seminar to Feature Tabletop Simulation of Maritime Accident and Plane Crash

Release Date: 9/20/2000
Contact Information: Roy Seneca (215) 814-5567

Roy Seneca, 215-814-5567

ERIE, Pa. – The mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is co-sponsoring a seminar Sept. 25-27 for emergency response personnel that will feature a sprawling three-dimensional tabletop exercise to simulate two transportation disasters – a maritime incident in Lake Erie and a plane crash.

The conference, called “Hazmat Transportation Incidents - Are You Really Prepared?,” is co-sponsored by the Chemical Manufacturers Association. It will be held at the Avalon Hotel in downtown Erie.

The EPA will use the conference to better prepare emergency personnel to respond to emergency transportation incidents that could threaten human health and the environment. Transportation incidents represent one of the most likely scenarios that emergency responders will face.

Expert speakers at the conference will address possible hazardous incidents involving transportation ranging from cargo planes and trucks to pipelines and ships.

The tabletop exercise, “Terror Town,” will provide emergency responders a hands-on approach to learn the best ways to respond during a simulated emergency on a spread out community that resembles those used by model railroad exhibitors. Conference attendees, including firemen, police officers, rescue personnel, municipal workers and media representatives, will role play as the emergency scenario unfolds.

For more information, call the conference hotline at 410-676-0882.