Emergency Management Offers Shelter-in-Place Training, Exercise

Santa Rosa County Emergency Management is offering free community shelter-in-place training followed by an exercise for first responders. Residents can learn what steps to take before during and after a shelter-in-place notice is issued at one of eight classes offered in March. On Saturday, April 20, an exercise simulating a chemical release will be held for first responders. Fifty volunteers from the general public are needed to participate in the exercise.

Chemicals are everywhere and a part of our daily life. However, they can be hazardous if used or released improperly during production, storage, transportation, use or disposal. Sheltering-in-place is the action you would take to create a temporary protective barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside wherever you are – at home, work, school or in between.

According to Emergency Management DirectorSheryl Bracewell, the classes are in part a response to the leak in January, “While we work year-round to educate our residents on how they can stay safe in a variety of emergency situations, based on the number of calls we received related to the January 24 leak at Taminco, it was evident our residents were unsure what the Taminco sirens meant and what actions they should take to protect their family. It is extremely important to note a chemical leak or spill can happen any where in the county. It is important that all residents know what steps to take when a shelter-in-place notice is given.”

Residents are encouraged to attend one of eight free shelter-in-place trainings to learn more or visitwww.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency:

SS Dixon Primary School Cafeteria4560 Pace Patriot Boulevard in Pace

• Monday, March 11,6 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, March 16,9 to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 20,6 to 8 p.m.

PeaRidgeElementary School Cafeteria4775 School Lane in Pace

• Wednesday, March 13,6 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, March 21,6 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, March 23,9 to 11 a.m.

AvalonMiddle School Cafeteria,5445 King Arthurs Way inMilton

• Thursday, March 14,6 to 8 p.m.
• Monday, March 18,6 to 8 p.m.

First responders including firefighters, law enforcement,EMS, and emergency management will also have the opportunity to practice their response to a chemical release during an exercise on Saturday, April 20. For this exercise, 50 volunteers from the public are needed to help make the drill more realistic. Volunteers must preregister and are asked to wear a bathing suit under clothes that can get wet, in addition to bringing a towel and a change of clothing. To sign up to participate in the exercise or for more information, contact Daniel Hahn atdanielh@santarosa.fl.gov or(850)983-4606.

The training and exercise is funded by a Homeland Security planning, training and exercise grant. For more information or assistance with your emergency planning needs contact Santa Rosa County Emergency Management at(850)983-5360 or visitwww.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency.