California Emergency Management Agency Confers with National Demolition Association on Disaster Response Plans

Doylestown, PA (PRWEB) September 21, 2013

Experts from the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA) recently met with the National Demolition Association to discuss ways demolition contractors can strengthen the state governments response to natural and man-made disasters.

John Weber, past president of the NDA and a member of the associations Disaster Response Committee, addressed the group to layout in detail how the demolition industrys skill set, equipment, and experience can help save lives and property at disaster scenes. It is the NDAs stance that demolition contractors should be pre-qualified and involved during the planning stages for emergencies, not after the tragedies occur, said Michael R. Taylor, CAE, Executive Director of the global trade association of firms involved in the demolition process.

At the Cal EMA gathering, Weber discussed the in-depth role a demolition contractor would play at a disaster site, including the re-establishment of vital infrastructure, site clearance to allow access, urban search and rescue, salvage and recycling, and structural dismantlement. Demolition contractors, he explained, would serve as Second Responders following the direction of emergency management personnel.

Weber also expressed the associations desire to develop a program guide that could be used by First Responders and Emergency Management planners which details the many skills a qualified demolition contractor brings to a disaster site. The National Demolition Association is more than willing to assist the disaster response community on every level in planning for the next natural or man-made disaster, reiterated the Associations Executive Director.

The National Demolition Association is intent on helping communities in the United States that may be unprepared for a major disaster. It has created a Disaster Response Manpower and Equipment Survey for local and state governments to use to prepare in advance to save lives, facilitate faster response, and avoid the consequences of delayed decision making. The survey is available on the association website in its new Disaster Response section. To learn more about the National Demolition Association, visit http://www.demolitionassociation.com.

About the National Demolition Association

The National Demolition Association is a non-profit trade organization representing approximately 800 U.S. and Canadian companies and many international firms that are involved in the demolition process. Membership includes demolition contractors, general contractors, civil engineering firms, and recycling, landfill, and salvage operations. The associations efforts help members stay abreast of environmental, regulatory and safety matters, keep regulators informed about issues facing the industry, increase public and industry awareness, and provide members with networking opportunities and information on the latest technical advances in equipment and services. The website is http://www.demolitionassociation.com.

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California Emergency Management Agency Confers with National Demolition Association on Disaster Response Plans