BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - An emergency response demonstration was held in Kern County Thursday.

On March 7, the Kern County and Bakersfield City Hazmat Divisions held the 'Central Valley 5th Annual Chemical Safety Day'.

Organizers said chemicals related accidents can be deadly. The goal is to provide awareness on safe use of hazardous chemicals.

Kern County Environmental Health said the event is important because there are 125 facilities in Kern County use anhydrous ammonia in their daily operation.

Thursday’s event was aimed at educating businesses who deal with hazardous chemicals.

"What this does, it lets the regulated community mingle with the people who regulate them, that will respond to their facility and help protect their employees and the public," said Dan Starkey of Kern County Environmental Health.

Attendees watched as emergency responders handled a simulated anhydrous ammonia leak. Business leaders said it was a necessary a learning experience.

"I can watch them in a non-emergency scenario and learn how I can help if we ever had an emergency response," said Christopher K. Cullison of Baker Hughes.

Attendees had the opportunity to see how good planning and training affect the overall outcome of incident response.

The demonstration event also included workshops and vendor tables.