The Lawrence County Local Emergency Planning Committee has scheduled four hazardous materials training classes this fall for the area's emergency services personnel.

The courses are designed to prepare fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, health and public works responders for a safer and effective response to a facility or transportation incident involving hazardous chemicals, according to LEPC chairman Mike Boster.

"The series of classes are offered to strengthen the capabilities of several different emergency response agencies that could be called out to an incident," Boster said.

Boster pointed out that Lawrence County has several facilities that manufacture, store or transport materials that are considered hazardous. Additionally, the county has several highways with high volumes of traffic and are used by HazMat haulers. Barges on the Ohio River carry hazardous substances as well.

"The potential for a spill or release that could affect residents living close to a facility or along a transportation route is very real," Boster said. "The LEPC has set a goal to help train and prepare responders so they are as ready as they can be."

The first class offered will be a basic level "HazMat awareness and HazMat operations" Sept. 27 and 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The cost is $5 per day. The class will be at the Collins Career Center on State Route 243.

The second class offered, "HazMat technician level" will be Oct. 18, 19, and 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The class will be at the Lawrence County Emergency Services Agency at 515 Park Ave.

The third class, "HazMat Incident Command System will be Nov. 8, 9, and 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The class will be at the Rome Volunteer Fire Department on State Route 7.

Those who need more information or who want to register for a class may contact the LEPC at 534-5803 or by e-mail at lepc@cloh.net.