NVFC Welcomes New Partner to Enhance Pipeline Communications

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is excited to welcome new partner Sander Resources L.L.C. (Sander) to help improve pipeline communications for first responders through a free mobile app called Buxus.

Many volunteer fire and emergency agencies across the country have a liquid or gas pipeline (and sometimes several) running through their response area. Pipeline incidents have a high impact and require special planning, considerations, training, and communications to make sure firefighters can properly respond. It is critical for responders to have information before, during, and after an incident, and the first 30 minutes has a dramatic impact on the overall length and effectiveness of the response.

The Buxus app promotes two-way communication between pipeline operators and emergency responders and is a valuable planning and response resource for pipeline emergencies. The app delivers on-demand information about individual pipeline operators who subscribe to the system, their assets, operational considerations, and most importantly, critical information needed if and when an emergency occurs. Buxus provides:

  • pipeline-specific information on the commodities transported by operator;
  • hazards posed by product type;
  • emergency response actions to be taken;
  • interactive maps; and
  • a portal to request specific information or resources from an operator.

Information is specific to each operator and includes emergency contact information, products transported, hazard identification, and response guidance. Responders can also request specific information from operators in their communities and provide or report other information critical to operators.

“The NVFC is committed to helping fire departments enhance their pipeline safety by raising awareness, improving communications, and amplifying readiness levels to reduce damages, injury, or death when responding to a pipeline incident,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsch. “We appreciate this new partnership to help us continue that commitment by promoting the Buxus app to enhance pipeline communications and keep our responders safe.”

“We think Buxus is a real game-changer,” said Sander managing member, Lindsay Sander. “Now emergency responders can get the information they need exactly when they need it using a device they already carry with them all the time.”

Download the Buxusapp from the Apple Store or Google Play. Next, confirm your agency information and capabilities – an activity historically done via mail or annual liaison meetings to help operators better evaluate collaborative plans and resources for emergency response. Finally, sign in and download information about the pipeline operators in your response area.

Want more information about Buxus? Sign up for a free, online webinar at www.buxus.io to see the app in action, and the benefits of using it. Just click on the red bullseye to schedule a time to attend. You can also call (844) 888-3318 or email info@buxus.io for assistance.

About Sander Resources, L.L.C. and Buxus™
Sander Resources, L.L.C., developer of Buxus™, is an innovation-driven consulting firm founded in 2005 and focused on the midstream energy and utility sectors. The company manages a range of issues for its clients through active participation in the development of industry best practices, technical standards, regulatory rulemaking at all government levels and, where appropriate, communications outreach. Buxus is the third app developed by Sander targeting safety issues in the utility space. Learn more at www.SanderResources.com  or www.Buxus.io.

About the NVFC
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.