DOYLESTOWN, PA, FEB. 22 – The National Demolition Association will introduce a new National Disaster Response Program which will link federal and state disaster response coordinators with qualified demolition contractors during a presentation at the 38th Annual Convention March 5-8 at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

On Monday, March 7 following the opening address by NDA President Raymond Passeno, CIH, convention delegates will learn about the new initiative designed to provide the nation with access to demolition companies which have been pre-evaluated in terms of capabilities, equipment, and the manpower needed to respond to natural or man-made disasters.  “Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, it became evident that an organized program was needed to vet demolition industry professionals so that these ‘second responders’ would be ready and able to be called upon at moment’s notice,” said Michael R. Taylor, CAE, Executive Director of the NDA.

Details of the NDA’s Disaster Response Program will be unveiled by executives with Robinette Demolition Inc. of Oak Brook Terrace, IL, which had helped take the lead on this needed service.  Presenters at the Monday event will be Tom Robinette, NDA Past President and President of Robinette; Jerry Myrick, former NDA Safety Committee Chair and Robinette’s General Manager and Corporate Director of Safety; and Tom Stahr, Manager of Robinette’s Emergency Response Division.