Baton Rouge area - Emergency Response

In addition to our efforts to prevent incidents, ExxonMobil believes that environmental responsibility means maintaining a strong response capability to operational emergencies, should they occur. We place great emphasis on preparing to respond effectively to mitigate the impact of incidents.

Baton Rouge Area Emergency Response Organization

• Plant Superintendents – manage emergency operations
• All unit personnel – trained in handling emergencies
• Primary Fire Squad – handles fires in early stages
• Volunteer Fire Brigade – responds if more help is needed
• Rescue Squad – provides rescue in elevated areas and confined space. The team participates in the National Industrial Rescue Training Competition, and placed first in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2006
• Emergency Medical Team (EMT) – provides immediate life support
• Chemical Network Response Team (CHEMNET) – provides hazardous materials response
• Emergency Local Interfunctional Response Team (ELIRT) – handles oil spills

To sharpen professional skills, we conduct simulated emergencies annually and also participate in training provided by the Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Baton Rouge Area Mutual Aid System.

Shelter in Place
During a chemical release "shelter in place" may be called in. It means that residents of the surrounding areas should stay inside their homes or other safe structures until notified that the situation is safe.

Our Firefighting Barge
In 2005, we commissioned a firefighting barge that is available to fire and emergency response departments of the surrounding communities. 

Hurricane Katrina Rescue
Just hours after Hurricane Katrina, members of our emergency response organization left for New Orleans to help. Working under instruction of the U.S. Coast Guard, they rescued some 1,200 people.