MASSIVE TRAIN DERAILMENTS CONCERN CITIZEN

  

Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Robert Smith is answering somne concerns expressed at Tuesday's meeting of th Washington County Commissioners

Washington County resident Frank Blizzard is asking what kind of plans the county has in place if a major train derailment or explosion were to happen while running through the county, and near downtown.

Blizzard, a retired oil company executive, spoke before today’s (Tuesday’s) meeting of the Washington County Commissioners, saying a train derailment and fire could ‘obliterate’ downtown Brenham, possibly killing a large number of people.  Blizzard wants to know about the evacuation plans in that circumstance.

 Smith said the county has an extensive evacuation plan, working with the sheriff's office, the Washington County EMS, and the Regional Emergency Management of the Brazos Valley.  He says they are currently working on a Mass Fatality Plan to be implemented soon.

County Judge John Brieden said the county is working on a plan and the exercises to make them happen were about to begin.  He said however, it would still take another year and a half to have the plans fully in place.  Blizzard the county needs an evacuation plan worked out now, and he is willing to work with the county fire departments to put a plan in place.  Judge Brieden replied that the county sheriff’s office and the county emergency coordinator are in charge of such plans.  Blizzard said the volunteer fire departments need to be working on the evacuation plans along with other emergency officials.  He realized that such a massive fire would take more than just a volunteer fire departments.