Ellenville Firefighters Undergo Rigorous Training in Propane Emergency Response
Ellenville firefighters were among dozens of area emergency responders who participated in a recent three-day rigorous training course on propane emergency response. The training combined comprehensive classroom instruction and intense formal training in the management of a propane emergency. Tactical scenarios included live hands-on review of different types of fire and leak control exercises.
Paraco Gas Corporation, one of the nation’s largest family owned and operated propane suppliers that has a main branch in Ellenville, provided the training as a public service to local firefighters and other emergency responders from three counties.
Firefighters of several Ulster County fire departments and districts, including Ellenville, Plattekill, and Napanoch, as well as from Sullivan and Orange Counties, attended the training course – which is part of Paraco’s long-standing community outreach initiative designed to increase propane safety awareness and emergency response preparedness.
The training was led by Paraco Gas Safety Director Michael DiGiorgio, renowned in the industry for his expertise in propane emergency response education, and the first to include real-life incidents in customized propane emergency response training. DiGiorgio is a member of numerous professional safety organizations, including the New York State Hazardous Material Emergency Response Team for Propane Gas.
The consensus among Ellenville firefighters was that the training substantially increased their response preparedness to propane emergencies.
“Local governments and volunteer organizations do not have the financial wherewithal to provide this important training to front-line emergency responders. As a local company that serves the region, we try to fill that void by providing this very specialized instruction and preparing emergency responders, like the volunteer firefighters of the Ellenville Fire Department, to deal with any type of propane related emergency,” said Sean Ackerman, Paraco Gas Regional Manager of the Ulster, Sullivan, Orange and Dutchess County region.
“Residential, commercial and industrial use of propane is on the rise in Ulster County – for things like heating, hot water, cooking, pool heating, barbecue cylinder refill and exchange, and forklift operations. Although propane is among the safest and most efficient forms of energy, it is important that emergency responders receive practical training so they are prepared if an emergency arises,” Ackerman added.
The training focused on tactical guidelines and procedures in emergency response to propane leaks and fires, including methods of extinguishing propane fires and techniques to minimize the risk of fire. Participants applied classroom instruction in simulated live-burn exercises.
“Although simulated, these exercises presented real-life scenarios – from the call made to 911, to safely controlling the situation while at the same time having to implement rescue operations,” Ackerman said.
For more information on propane and propane safety, contact 1-800-647-4427 or go to www.paracogas.com.