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A Private-Public Partnership to Improve Pipeline Safety in the State of Alabama

Alabama Pipeline Emergency Response Initiative (APERI)

Major Pipeline Emergencies are High Risk/Low Frequency. However, there have been several large events in our state over the last few years. All of us, including the Operator and Emergency Responder, need to be prepared.
Incidents are often worsened by Emergency Responder involvement instead of being neutralized. Contributing factors to this include a lack of training, a lack of initial education, a lack of experience, and a rise in false alarm calls.

Need more info or would you like to schedule training? Email us!
Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 345, Chelsea, AL 35043.

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Why hasn't current outreach been effective?

  • The industry has been using an Outside-In versus an Inside-Out approach.
  • Responders have not been part of the solution.
  • Responders do not see the need to “want” the training.
  • A boss can make people work and get a job done. A leader gets people to “want” to get the job done.
  • We want to be leaders in the training, awareness, and safety of Firefighters.
  • We need an approach that encourages responders to come to us, where they are asking for the training, instead of being pushed into it or told they must (especially from an outside entity.)

Where are we now?

  • APERI began moving forward in 2019
  • A new course has been built with updated content
  • An APERI Board has been established, made up of Operators and Emergency Responders
  • Instructors throughout the state are currently being trained on course delivery

Program Structure

  • TRAINING PLAN:
    • Years 1-2: Focus on reaching out to Firefighters. After Year 2, expand to LEO, EMS, and Telecommunicators.
    • Always have multiple trained instructors ready to teach in each region of the Fire College regional system.
    • Target high-hazard areas and large groups: LEPCs and CRR / Training Officer Groups. Reaching these larger groups first will help the program grow organically. Many of the people in these groups also have influence in decision-making procedures at departments for training assignments.
  • MAKEUP:
    • Program Manager, Responder Outreach, Board of made up of Operators from different responsibilities and two Fire College members
  • SHARED RESPONSIBILITY:
    • Alabama Fire College, First Responders, and Pipeline Operators

Why does it work?

  • FOR RESPONDERS:
    • Training built by responders, for responders; responders have influence over process and content
  • FOR OPERATORS:
    • Record-keeping
    • Inside-out marketing
    • Meets liaison requirement
    • More responder involvement
    • To meet the requirement for the training classes, the operator must be present and participate
  • EXTRA BENEFITS:
    • Extra Support from the Fire College with a dedicated AFC contact
    • Responders becoming active in City Planning, Permitting, and Zoning
    • Preventing the incident that would otherwise need response

Need more info or would you like to schedule training? Email us!

Apply for Membership Online Printable Membership Form