To address the issues surrounding the systems during a fire, a new, free course titled Firefighter Safety & Renewable Energy Systems is being offered through the cooperative efforts of Flexera Solar Energy and Wind Power, the Delaware State Fire School and Delaware Technical & Community College.

It’s important for first responders to know how to handle a fire involving renewable energy systems and to understand the hazards and precautions.

This course will present an overview of solar hot water, solar thermal, solar tube lights, solar voltaic and wind turbine technologies.

Using a step-by-step approach, participants will learn how to safely manage the scene to eliminate risk of injury and damage to components and property during a fire call.

Specific topics addressed will include energy system identification, common hazards of renewable energy systems, specific hazards and precautions, disconnects and mechanisms in place to aid safety, solar electric system wiring diagrams, etc.

Interested parties should register now for this free, two-hour course.

The instructor will be John Donato, the marketing director for Flexera Solar Energy and Wind Power.

Upcoming classes will be held statewide at Delaware Tech campuses: Thursday, March 11, in Georgetown; Thursday, March 18, in Newark; and Wednesday, March 31, in Dover. The classes will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and are approved by the Delaware State Fire School for two training credit hours.

To register, call Delaware Tech’s Division of Corporate & Community Programs at 855-1617 in Georgetown, 302-453-3095 in Newark and 302-857-1400 in Dover.