The Tupelo Fire Department responds to a variety of incidents all of which potentially could involve hazardous materials. Due to this potential the Tupelo Fire Department is establishing the following Emergency Operating Guidelines to assist in the decision making process when responding to a known or unknown hazardous materials incident.

In the event of an incident involving a hazardous or toxic material where there exists a danger to the health and safety of emergency response personnel or the general public, because of fire, explosion, radioactivity, toxic release, or chemical reaction, the senior Fire Department representative (Incident Commander) will implement the emergency response procedures as outlined in these guidelines.

Any hazardous materials incident represents a potentially dangerous situation. Chemicals that are combustible, explosive, corrosive, toxic, or reactive, along with biological and radioactive materials can affect the general public or the environment as well as the emergency responder. Response activities needed at each incident are unique. There are similarities between incidents, one being the protection of the health and safety of the responders.

The intent of these guidelines are to provide the functions needed to control and mitigate a hazardous materials incident. It also describes the lines of authority, responsibility and communication between and among various responders. It defines the interface of the Fire Department with other agencies. It also specifies the authority of each responder in directing specific operations.

It is the intent of this document to provide guidance to Fire Department responders in areas related to response, site control, entry, and mitigation of hazardous materials incidents. This guidance is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of each of the subjects discussed. Formal training in these areas will complement this document. Specific training will provide more information for the technical, administrative, and management oriented skills needed to accomplish our mission. This document provides guidance to develop more specific procedures.

The priority of the instructions in this document is as follows:

1. Life Safety and health risks to the public and the emergency responders are the most important concern.

2. The Fire Department must stabilize the incident scene and prevent further escalation of the incident with minimum personal risk.

3. The Fire Department's response efforts should be directed toward protecting property and minimizing or lessening the impact of the event on the environment.

It is the responsibility of each member of the Department to be familiar with these guidelines and to act accordingly with the scope of training and line of authority as indicated.