PROJECT STAFF: Josh Allan, Emergency Systems Development Specialist
PROJECT PERIOD:October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010
FUNDING SOURCES:Public Sector Training and Planning Grant Program for Native American Tribes, U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Program Administration

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Program is to create a better awareness among tribal communities of the importance of a chemical emergency response plan, training, and assist in facilitating the development and permanent establishment of a Tribal Emergency Response Commission (TERC). The TERC will protect tribal health and safety and maintain the goal of a contaminant free environment. The HMEP grant is primarily directed to the eighteen (18) Tribal governments listed. However, it is the policy of ITCA that all 22 federally recognized tribes in Arizona are extended any clearinghouse information that may be of assistance to their communities in developing infrastructure and environmental programs to improve safety and to protect their people.

The HMEP Program partnership includes the Tribal governments listed below:

  • Ak-Chin Community
  • Cocopah Indian Tribe
  • Colorado River Indian Tribes
  • Fort McDowell Yavapai Tribe
  • Fort Mojave Indian Tribe
  • Gila River Indian Community
  • Havasupai Tribe
  • Hopi
  • Hualapai Tribe
  • Kaibab-Paiute Tribe
  • Navajo Nation
  • Quechan Tribe
  • Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
  • San Carlos Apache Tribe
  • Tonto Apache Tribe
  • Tohono O'odham Nation
  • White Mountain Apache Tribe
  • Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe

WORKPLAN OBJECTIVES:

  • Provide chemical emergency response awareness and training.
  • Support the development and establishment of TERC/LEPC.
  • Provide specific training and technical support to Tribal communities with little or no emergency preparedness.
  • Provide training in SARA Title III regulations for response to hazardous materials incidents.
  • Support the development of a Tribal Emergency response plan and communication network.

SPECIFIC TRAINING AVAILABLE TO TRIBAL COMMMUNITIES:

  • Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) 3-Hour Presentation. This workshop style presentation is directed toward tribal leaders, community representatives, police, fire, health care, emergency medical and tribal planning departments. The purpose is to assist tribal communities in planning for hazardous material incidents.
  • First Responder Awareness (FRA) 8-Hour Training. This training is for tribal representatives who are likely to witness or discover a hazardous substance release and who have been trained to initiate an emergency response notification process. The primary hazmat responsibility is to secure the incident site, recognize and identify the materials involved and make appropriate notifications.
  • First On-Scene Operations (FOSO) 16-Hour Training. This course is designed for persons not issued a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus or personal protective equipment (PPE), who may be the first at the scene of a release or potential release of hazardous substances. This course is intended for tribal police, forest service, highway workers, public works, tribal rangers, and ambulance crews.
  • First Responder Operations (FRO) 24-Hour Training. This course is designed for individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as a part of the initial response to protect nearby human health, property, and environment.
  • Site Incident Command (SIC) 24-Hour Training. This course is designed for individuals who will assume control of the incident scene. The First Responder Operations or First On-Scene Operations training is a prerequisite for this course.

TRIBAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS WORKING GROUP MEETING:

The Working Group Meeting objectives are to discuss and coordinate first responder training, exercises (table top) and funding, discuss all hazards emergency response, public health emergency preparedness issues and announce emergency response conferences and training. The Meetings are scheduled on an bi-annual or on an 'as needed' basis.

CONTACT INFORMATON:

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, like more information on the Working Group, or require any additional information on the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Program, contact Josh Allan, Emergency Systems Development Specialist at (602) 258-4822.

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