More than 15,400 hazardous materials accidents occurred in 2012, with Florida among the top 10 states with the highest incidence rate, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Many of the first responders on the front lines of these emergencies were members of the Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals (AHMP). As the only national organization devoted to the professional advancement of the hazardous materials management field, AHMP will host its 26th National Conference in Orlando, FL from September 15-18, 2013. During that time, AHMP will partner with Disney and local nonprofit Clean the World to train with local first responders and give back to the Orlando community.
Real-Time Emergency Response Scenario at Disney
A regular conference highlight, this year’s emergency response scenario will put first responder knowledge and training to the test in real-time during a chemical cleanup at Walt Disney World. Alongside Reedy Creek Emergency Services, Disney’s local fire department, first responders will conduct a full-scale demonstration in response to the simulated incident without any prior knowledge of the emergency. Past emergency response scenarios have simulated a chemical spill on the Alaskan railroad, an anthrax attack on a Delta airline flight and a contaminated waterway on the University of Texas-Austin campus.
Community Service Prevents Hygiene-Related Illness
AHMP will also work with Clean the World to help prevent the millions of deaths caused by hygiene-related illnesses every day. The two organizations will work together during a Community Service Project to collect and recycle soap and shampoo products discarded by the hospitality industry and distribute them to impoverished communities worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 6,000 children die each day from diseases that could be prevented from hand washing with soap. Through its recycling program, Clean the World has eliminated more than 1.4 million pounds of hotel waste from polluting landfills and helped prevent thousands of deaths caused by hygiene-related illness.
In one morning, AHMP members will build 500 hygiene kits to support the mission of Clean the World and support victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes through a donation to the American Red Cross. As the only U.S. organization devoted to the professional advancement of the hazardous materials management field, AHMP believes it has a responsibility to give back to the community hosting its annual conference and work with organizations, such as Clean the World, that are protecting the local environment.
For more information about AHMP and the AHMP 2013 National Conference, visit www.ahmpnet.org.
