Macon-Bibb County EMA Prepared for Chemical Incidents in Wake of Texas Explosion

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – In wake of the Texas explosion, officials in Bibb County are ready in case something like that happens here.

Trains and trucks carry chemicals through our area every day. The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency, along with local law enforcement and the fire department, is prepared to handle incidents involving hazardous materials. If something were to happen, first responders would take care of people at the scene while the EMA would coordinate the relief efforts.

“All of the key officials can come into this facility as the first responders are out in the field dealing with this and we’re going to support them. If they need additional hardware, software, people, support, we’re going to help them get that,” Don Druitt, the Macon-Bibb County EMA director, said.

The fire department’s hazardous materials team is trained to evaluate an explosion or incident involving chemicals. They figure out what needs to be done to keep the community safe, like closing windows, turning off the air conditioner, or evacuating the scene.