Strengthening Hazmat Preparedness, Response and Responder Safety
Through initiatives such as Community Safety, Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT), and Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST), the IAFC provides fire and emergency services personnel with resources, practical training, and tools to identify hazards, manage incidents, and protect their communities. These programs help departments enhance operational readiness, reduce risks, and respond safely and effectively to hazardous materials emergencies.
Community Safety Program
The IAFC Community Safety Program strengthens hazardous materials preparedness by developing practical tools, resources and partnerships that help first responders, emergency managers and communities better understand and prepare for hazmat risks.
Program efforts include the Hazmat Resources and Training Toolkit and development of a Hazmat Risk Index to help communities identify and evaluate hazardous materials risks.
Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST) Program
The IAFC Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST) Program strengthens hazardous materials preparedness by expanding training for emergency responders. Funded by PHMSA, the program builds instructor capacity and advances hazmat leadership, incident management and operational readiness.
Current efforts include developing a Unified Command for Hazardous Materials Incidents course and updating the Whole Community Planning for Disaster course to strengthen emergency planning, risk assessment, coordination and community resilience.
Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT)
The IAFC Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) Program strengthens hazardous materials and rail-response preparedness through specialized training, practical resources, research and collaboration. Funded by PHMSA, the program focuses on supporting volunteer and remote responders preparing for transportation-related hazmat incidents.
ALERT initiatives include Rural Rail Response, Ethanol Response and Hydrogen Response training, as well as the Significant Rail Incident Study and Unified Command Summit, helping responders improve safety, coordination and operational readiness.
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