Emergency response training at the Edge Moor site in Edge Moor, Del.

More than 90 emergency responders recently participated in a day of hazardous material handling and emergency response training at the DuPont Edge Moor site in Edge Moor, Del.

The training was part of the 2008 Delaware Emergency Management Agency's (DEMA) Hazardous Material Conference.   DEMA is the state’s lead agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery and mitigation services.

According to David Irwin from the New Castle County (Del.) Local Emergency Planning Committee, managing a major response - especially one that is complex and multi-jurisdictional - is one of the most important challenges facing emergency responders today. "Effective coordination and communication among emergency personnel is a key factor in ensuring successful responses to major incidents," he said.

For these reasons, local, state, federal and corporate emergency responders, along with firefighting professionals from around Delaware, gathered at the Edge Moor facility for hands-on training with equipment and fine-tuning of emergency response techniques.   Training included educational and safety demonstrations along with simulated scenarios for handling hazardous materials.

"We welcome the opportunity to train with fellow emergency responders at our site," said Al Donofrio, DuPont Edge Moor senior security and safety consultant. "Our personnel are often sought out because of our training and preparedness in handling hazardous material. The Edge Moor site provides a realistic training atmosphere.”

Agencies participating in the training included the Delaware National Guard, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, New Castle County Local Emergency Planning Committee and several local fire departments.