[Scan-DC] Display of new homeland security equipment

[Alan Henney]

-MEDIA ADVISORY -


Fire Chiefs to Present New Homeland Security Equipment for the Region
New Equipment Will Help Region Respond Cooperatively to Emergencies

WHO:   Fire Chiefs of the National Capital Region.

WHAT: Press conference to display new homeland security equipment
purchased for the region, including an ambulance bus, mobile air unit,
HazMat unit, mass casualty support unit, and protective gear.

WHEN:  Thursday, March 29, 2007
 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:  National Mall
 4th Street between Jefferson and Madison


BACKGROUND:
Emergency workers throughout the National Capital Region have made
great strides in preparing for emergencies from terrorism, weather and
other causes, thanks to new equipment purchased with federal homeland
security grant money. Through the Department of Homeland Security
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), fire fighters and police
officers now have access to equipment such as vehicles that are
specially equipped to handle hazardous materials and mass casualties,
an ambulance bus designed to handle 20 stretchered patients, and a
device that can refill as many as 60 oxygen tanks per hour. Fire
Chiefs from throughout the District of Columbia, northern Virginia and
Suburban Maryland will present the new equipment and show how they
will help protect citizens in the event of an emergency. The event
will include a Q & A session to show how the fire service has
increased mutual response capabilities.
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