The nature of hazmat incidents and how we respond to them is ever-changing as evident by one North Carolina city’s commitment to vigilance in preparing for disaster.
Recently, the Winston-Salem Fire Department unveiled a hazardous material response vehicle that is cleverly disguised a fire truck. The cherry red tractor and trailer response vehicle is fully equipped to handle spills of various magnitude. With a top speed of more than 100 miles per hour, the truck gives new meaning to the words, “quick response.” Winston-Salem officials said the nearly $1 million investment came about as the number of hazmat incidents the department responds has significantly increased.
“We respond to about 10 to 12 natural gas leak calls a day. This helps provide a safe environment for the city.”
Winston-Salem Fire Department Capt. Jonathan Lindholm
A growing need for hazmat solutions…
Altogether, there are more than 214 businesses in Forsyth County that are required to report the number and type of hazardous materials that can be found within their facilities. Given the propensity of these materials to pose as hazards to environmental and human health, a quick response by emergency personnel is crucial to diffusing dicey situations.
The new truck has is a treasure trove of safety. The industry trademark yellow and white hazmat suits are ubiquitous. Equipped with breathing apparatuses and other safeguards, crews are able to utilize the truck to clean up almost any industrial mess with minimal impact upon the environment. Crews are divided into teams of three to man the streets 24/7. Since disaster doesn’t take time off, neither do these brave men and women firefighters.
At U.S Hazmat Storage, we appreciate the Winston-Salem Fire Department’s commitment to preparedness and constant vigilance. We understand that the only way to properly respond to a hazmat incident and thereby mitigate its effects, you have to have appropriate measures and stop gaps in place.
Do you part in site protection by investing with U.S. Hazmat Storage
To adhere to these calls of destruction, we have developed a line of fire-rated and non-fire rated options for proper chemical storage. These lockers offer a variety of protection within 100’ of job sites and dangerous chemical stations. Made from quality American steel, our hazmat storage units are impenetrable and can properly secure and isolate dangerous chemicals from other reactive solutions and the environment.
