Chicago Looking To Buy "Blast Resistant" Trash Cans

By aaroncynic in News on Mar 1, 2012 8:45PM

A blast-resistant trash can from www.bombreceptacles.com

While City officials have mainly been focused on preparing for protests of the NATO/G8 summits in May, they’re also showing their concern for possible terrorist attacks. The Sun-Times reports the Emanuel administration is seeking quotes from companies that produce blast resistant trash cans. A document the Sun Times received from the Office of Emergency Management and Communication states:

"Bomb mitigation requirements are increasing to protect people, facilities and assets from various explosion aftermath, including fireballs, energy overpressure and fragmentation all of which will likely result from terrorist bombs."

Along with their bids, interested contractors need to submit pre- and post-detonation photos and video footage of explosive tests. The city is looking to purchase 56 of the blast resistant trash cans.

Additionally, the city awarded a $99,900 contract earlier this month to a Virginia company called Patriot 3 for the purchase of a Mobile Adjustable Ramp System. Vehicles equipped with the MARS unit are used by law enforcement and the military to deploy personnel to elevated buildings and structures, position snipers, and disaster response.