Cities Begin New Training For Hazardous Material Transportation
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- For the first time, Minnesota cities are required to partner with the state for safety training on the transportation of oil and other hazardous materials.
This is because of a new state law that went into effect over the summer, and on Thursday Fridley was one of the first cities to start the training.
Fridley actually had an emergency experience just a few years ago.
In 2011, a train carrying corn derailed in the city. Thankfully, that train wasn't carrying hazardous substances or oil. But trains carrying those things do make their way through the city five to seven times a day.
What makes the new training different is that the Department of Homeland Security is involved – not just city police, fire department and emergency workers.
The new training touches on everything from assessing whether or not any evacuations in the area are needed to planning the most efficient ways to block off areas and get everything cleaned up.
Another new aspect of this training is that it incorporates the Pollution Control Agency taking more into account any possible impacts to the environment.
The training also involves ways to quickly tell the public what's going on and how they can stay safe in the event of an emergency.