Firestone Building Products Company, LLC First To Achieve Public Safety Honor Youngwood, Pa., facility celebrates emergency preparedness award

YOUNGWOOD, Pa. (Nov. 9, 2009) — The Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (FSBP) facility in Youngwood, Pa., recently achieved the prestigious Gold Level status in a countywide public safety program: the Westmoreland County Department of Public Safety Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act (SARA) Site of Distinction. The U.S. Congress mandated the creation of LEPCs to effectively implement the emergency planning provision of the Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

“We are very proud of this recognition,” said Mike Vall, President of FSBP. “This award reinforces FSBP’s complete commitment to safety both inside the plant and in the communities in which we operate.”

Among other measures, criteria for certification in the SARA Site of Distinction Program include participating in a SARA Summit, hosting a Department of Public Safety visit, performing an emergency drill with first responders, and finalizing Emergency Communications and Continuity of Operations plans at the facility.

Of the more than 300 SARA sites in Westmoreland County, the FSBP Youngwood facility is the first — and only — site to satisfy all 10 criteria for certification, the requirement for Gold Level Achievement status. A facility may earn “Bronze Level Achievement” by completing five certification criteria while “Silver Level Achievement” is awarded to facilities that complete seven criteria.

“This award represents the deep commitment that FSBP teammates share toward public safety and emergency response planning,” said Scott Thompson, Youngwood Plant Manager, FSBP.

The Youngwood facility produces flat, tapered and composite ISO insulation and employs 41 teammates.