Emergency Response Unit
Situations outside the "normal"
realm of emergency response may occur for which firefighters are
neither trained nor equipped. Highly specialized equipment and
skilled technicians may be needed to safely and effectively contain
the hazard and protect the public.
The decade of the '90s may be called the decade of hazardous materials. Most people lack
the understanding of the potential danger and subsequent harm
that hazardous material (hazmat) incidents can produce, nor the
tremendous complexity of dealing with hazmat situations. This
is one of the most serious and fastest growing challenges which
communities must face. Pipelines, tank farms, and other bulk storage
facilities; users, manufacturers, transporters, and retail stores
of hazardous materials; and hazardous waste generators, all increase
the probability of hazmat incidents. Citrus County is included
in this challenge. Areas once considered rural are rapidly urbanizing
as Citrus County continues its growth.
Citrus County Special Operations
Hazardous Material Response Team consists of highly trained technicians
made up from the County's volunteer Fire Service. The team has
the capability to respond to citizens' needs in the event of almost
any unforeseen emergency. Hazardous Material Technicians must
meet high standards and receive a minimum of 160 hours of specialized
training beyond the standard fire-rescue certifications. The team's
primary focus is on the safety of the citizens, emergency responders
and the environment
Formed in the early 90s, the Citrus
County Hazardous Material Team has become a recognized leader
in this field. The team supplies mutual aid to the surrounding
counties of Hernando, Levy, Sumter, and Marion. Response to hazardous
materials incidents typically involves situations where personnel
and equipment must meet high standards due to inherent hazards
involved. The Citrus County Hazardous Materials Team is designed
to comply with standards set forth by OSHA CFR Title 49, Part
1910.120 and Part 1904, NFPA 1001, NFPA 1500, and NIOSH.
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