The NVFC will offer Incident Safety Officer Training, Leadership for the Fire and Emergency Services, and Surviving the Job - Cancer in the Fire Service in Ludington, MI on January 10, 2026.

This course focuses on being able to quickly and correctly identify the meaning of hazmat placards, labels, and markings. Attendees will learn how to teach others the difference between placards, labels, and markings, and the various requirements with their use. The course will also cover how to teach the basics of the hazmat communications standard and global harmonization system for hazmat. Specific concepts will include the U.S. Department of Transportation hazard classes NFPA 704 marking system.

This course focuses on the different types and scopes of scenarios that can be used in hazmat training. Attendees will learn the various student learning styles and how to use scenarios to bridge gaps in learning retention. The course will cover the concept of all hazards planning and how to engage key response stakeholders in scenario planning, training, and exercises.

Teaching hazmat to your responders doesn’t have to be a costly undertaking. In this course, attendees will learn how to identify the key components of a hazmat training budget, including direct/indirect cost planning and using a risk-based needs assessment, and then determine how to align goals with their budget. In addition, attendees will learn how to find free and low-cost training materials, resources, and opportunities to support their program. After completing this training, attendees will walk away able to develop a practical hazmat training session or drills using no/minimal cost resources.

As the deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the U.S. accelerates, it’s critical for project developers, owners, and operators to engage with local firefighters to provide detailed information about advances in BESS technology, codes and standards, safety systems, and facility design to support effective emergency planning, hazard mitigation, and incident response. This presentation by AES’ leading engineer in BESS technology will provide volunteer firefighters with critical knowledge about today’s BESS systems so that firefighters have a stronger understanding of BESS installations and the safety systems now in place, if they ever have to respond to an event at one of these facilities. This webinar is sponsored by AES. The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. In the U.S., AES is a leading developer, owner, and operator of innovative clean energy solutions, including utility-scale and community solar, wind, battery energy storage, and now green hydrogen. We also put safety first every minute of every day – for our people, contractors, and communities. Our commitment to safety first aligns with the NVFC’s mission and we are proud to support and collaborate with volunteer fire/EMS organizations across the nation. For more information, visit www.aes.com.

Hazmat training programs should operate within all relevant laws, regulations, standards, and codes. This course will review the legislative processes that result in these legal requirements for fire service training – and how they ultimately affect training. Attendees will learn how to interpret and use government regulations (e.g., OSHA 1910.120) to become compliant when delivering hazmat training. They will also learn how to use consensus standards (e.g., NFPA 470) to develop, deliver, and manage quality hazmat training.

Our webinars feature subject matter experts providing in-depth insights on key topics relevant to the fire and emergency services. These sessions offer valuable knowledge, practical strategies, and expert guidance in a convenient, virtual format. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and ask questions during a live Q&A

Our webinars feature subject matter experts providing in-depth insights on key topics relevant to the fire and emergency services. These sessions offer valuable knowledge, practical strategies, and expert guidance in a convenient, virtual format. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and ask questions during a live Q&A.

Proper planning starts with recognizing and analyzing risks. This course covers the importance of the risk assessment process to hazmat response training. Attendees will learn how to incorporate the results of their hazmat risk assessment into hazmat training design and development. After completing this course, they will be able to identify key resources to help complete the assessment at the local, regional, and/or state level.

Engaging the community in roadway safety is a key part of reducing first responder injuries and death in traffic incident management. In this NVFC Roundtable Talk, subject matter experts will discuss ways to motivate community members to adopt safe driving guidelines, how to communicate key topics such as distracted driving and moving over when passing an emergency scene, and innovative ways to reach even more drivers with these messages.