The North Suburban Hazardous Materials Response Team (NSHM) is a NIMS Type II joint powers team between the Vadnais Heights, Lake Johanna, Saint Anthony, White Bear Lake, and New Brighton Fire Departments. This Team serves the cities of Vadnais Heights, Shoreview, North Oaks, Arden Hills, Saint Anthony, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Gem Lake, and New Brighton. The total approximate population served by the NSHM is approximately 140,000 people in suburban Ramsey and Hennepin County.
NSHM is trained and equipped to conduct a variety of activities related to the mitigation of a hazardous materials event. NSHM is equipped to conduct unknown chemical identification, toxic industrial chemical monitoring, radiation monitoring, as well as a variety of chemical/biological weapons detection. Additionally, NSHM is equipped to provide real-time video feeds, scene documentation, plume modeling, onsite weather information, integration with law enforcement operations, and other site and incident support capabilities. NSHM can conduct decontamination efforts for affected personnel including ambulatory and non-ambulatory victims in all weather conditions.