I. PURPOSE

This appendix should contain a schedule of training and exercises for the jurisdiction’s response agencies. These exercises should be as comprehensive as possible to test the jurisdiction’s ability to respond to a hazardous materials incident. (See Pg. 70-72, b.4.1 and 6.4.3, NRT-1, Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide).

A. Training ⁽⁸⁾

Safe and coordinated response to a hazardous materials incident requires the application of specialized techniques and organizational concepts.

1. Training offered at the local level should be in accordance with appropriate training suggested by the National Incident Management System Integration Center.

2. The county OES and LEPC, along with private organizations, are responsible for training their personnel to effectively and safely carry out their assignments.

3. The necessary training courses will be provided by the State Fire Commission, the West Virginia Fire Extension Service (WVU), and the RESA training coordinator. These courses will provide the necessary training criteria for fire service personnel to assure a competency level in hazardous materials handling. Emergency response personnel are encouraged to take advantage of each training opportunity.

4. The Emergency Services Director will notify the West Virginia Emergency Services Training Coordinator of the training that is being offered within the county so a centralized file of training can be maintained.

5. In addition, the Emergency Services Director will work with the WV Emergency Services Training Coordinator to assure the widest possible use of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) courses in emergency response.

B. Exercises ⁽⁸⁾⁽⁹⁾

1. The McDowell County OES will be responsible for an annual testing of its EOP.

2. The test shall be of such a nature to test the adequacy of all segments of the plan. Portions of the exercises will also test the ability to interact with the county’s Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan.

3. The testing of the plan will be done according to the prearranged schedule of tests submitted by the OES. This is a four (4) year schedule, which includes natural, technological, man-made, and national security exercises.

4. These tests and exercises will be recorded on the proper forms and submitted to the state for review and approval. These reports are then submitted to FEMA. This is a requirement for all participating OES/CCA jurisdictions. A critique shall be held after each drill or exercise to review adequacy of the plans in their present form.

5. An exercise of this plan and the county EOP will be done annually. Full-scale exercises will be scheduled every four (4) years. Functional exercises and table-top exercises will be scheduled on a rotational schedule during the interim years.