Nanuet Fire Department Hosts Propane HAZMAT Drill for Rockland Fire Departments

By Rockland Daily Staff

The Nanuet Fire Department hosted a propane HAZMAT response, safety, and familiarization drill with the Rockland County HAZMAT Team, West-Nyack Fire Department, and Valley Cottage Fire Department on Tuesday, August 16.

Nanuet Fire Department Captain Mark Perlowitz delivered a brief presentation on propane. He included propane properties, safety, evacuation zones, and fire department response methods. In addition, he discussed the differences between propane and natural gas. HAZMAT Chief Jerry Knapp addressed the role of firefighters and their response to a propane leak and damaged propane equipment.

The drill then focused on the Nanuet Firehouse, where the HAZMAT Team discussed burning off propane and safety concerns. This was followed by a demonstration of the fire department's flare burn-off kit.

This cooperative event was an example of a simple yet informative drill that highlighted a known hazard within the Nanuet Fire Department response area and integrated that with a specialized county resource like the HAZMAT Team.