Hazard3

Stolen Nuclear Gauge Listed on Facebook Market Place

Sarasota, FL - The Florida Highway Patrol received a tip that a density gauge containing cesium-137 had been listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Investigators arranged to purchase the device, but the seller/suspect didn’t show up for the meeting. FHP radiological and nuclear detection state troopers went to the suspects house where they detected the industrial device from outside the residence.

The suspect was arrested and the stolen nuclear gauge was recovered undamaged.

Bradenton man arrested after stolen radiological device listed on Facebook Marketplace Florida Highway Patrol recovers moisture density gauge containing radioactive isotope.

North Carolina issues stop-sale order for propane cylinder refilling device - LP Gas Richard Fredenburg examines safety concerns with a refillable propane cylinder system.

Controlling a Polymerization

There are 5 tactical options that can be used to control a polymerization including thermal management, adding an inhibitor, mixing, short stopping, or a combination.

Guidance on responding to acrylate polymerizations is included in the ER Playbook. The ER Playbook provides responders with risk-based response guidance that can be used as a technical reference on-scene.

Email [email protected] if you're interested in an ER Playbook subscription for your team.

Learn more about the ER Playbook here: https://emergencyresponsetips.com/er-playbook-1

The Power of your HazMat Network

As a HazMat/CBRN responder, your professional network is as important as the equipment on your truck. The relationships you build will provide you with an informal "reachback" (aka phone a friend) capability, access to candid equipment reviews, grants, invites to training opportunities, mentoring, other agencies SOGs, career opportunities, and life long friendships.

A highlight of the Hazardous Materials Instructors and Commanders (HMIC) conference is the evening professional networking sessions that bring together HazMat/CBRN leaders and trainers from across the US.

At the 2026 HMIC conference, we'll enjoy dinner and drinks onboard a Savanah River Boat cruise.

Learn more about HMIC here: https://www.hmicconference.com/2026

Need a scholarship to attend, check out https://www.us-heat.org/

Thanks to Safeware Inc and CHEMTREC for the incredible support.

Is Your HazMat Team's SOGs Keeping Up?

Last week it was methyl methacrylate (MMA), this week it's Ebola again.

The ER Playbook provides your team with response guidelines to serve as a technical reference including emerging threats and hazards. The ER Playbook is rapidly updated to ensure responders have access to timely and accurate information.

The Risk-Based Response to Ebola page was updated to include information from the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The risk-based guidance includes include three potential response postures based on the patient's potential previous exposure and symptoms.

More information on the ER Playbook is available here: https://emergencyresponsetips.com/er-playbook-1

E-mail [email protected] if you're interested in an ER Playbook subscription for your team.

CNG Garbage Truck Fire

Richfield, MN - Richfield FD conducted an offensive attack on CNG powered garbage truck on fire. RFD was able to prevent the fire from reaching the compressed natural gas cylinders (CNG).

Email [email protected] if you're interested in hosting a Risk-Based Response to CNG course for your agency. The course includes CNG vehicle components/construction, damage assessment process, renders safe procedures, and CNG vehicle fire strategy and tactics.

Acrylates Added to the ER Playbook

Based on the recent incident in Orange County, guidance for responding to Acrylates has been added to the ER Playbook including overview, transportation, storage, transfer operations, and emergency response guidance.

Response guidance includes tactical options for polymerizations, fires, and leaks.

Email [email protected] if you’re interested in a subscription to the ER Playbook for your agency. The subscription includes access to the playbook and monthly web based tactical training sessions.

Learn more about the the ER Playbook here: https://emergencyresponsetips.com/er-playbook-1

HazMat Called for Radioactive Package

Cranston, RI - Cranston Police and Fire responded to a suspicious package in an apartment building when a black bag with a Radioactive UN2908 label was found propping a door open.

Cranston Fire Department’s hazmat team opened the bag and discovered it was empty.

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/west-bay/suspicious-bag-prompts-hazmat-response-at-cranston-apartment-building/amp/

Suspicious bag prompts hazmat response at Cranston apartment building Officers were called to a Cranston apartment building after receiving reports of a suspicious package Sunday evening.