Haz-Mat Response
Our department responds to Haz-Mat calls in our area. All members are trained in basic hazardous materials awareness. All officers must complete a incident command course, many times utilizing the Haz-Mat Command course for this requirement.
The basic function of the fire department is to protect life and property from the hazard. There are times, however that rushing into the "hot zone" of a scene can be dangerous even for us. There has been a slow down approach towards Haz-Mat because it is not the average call that members respond to.
We are only equipped to handle small spills and leaks for non-health hazard substances. If there is a severe health hazard, it may be biological, radiological or nuclear we utilize the Oneida County Haz-Mat Team. This team is well equipped and has members of our department on the team. Our main concern in this type of event is containing the incident and decontaminating the victims as they exit. We also provide support personnel to the Haz-Mat team as they need them.
