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Hazardous Chemicals Require Awareness

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By CRAIG FUGATE

Published: January 23, 2008

What would you do if a nearby chemical plant suddenly exploded or perhaps a major gas line was deliberately ruptured in your neighborhood? Do you have a plan? Would you know what to do to protect your family, home or business?

Gov. Charlie Crist has proclaimed this week as Hazardous Materials Awareness Week , when many educational activities will take place throughout the state.

As recent events in Jacksonville and Tampa illustrate, there are potential risks associated with hazardous materials that are a part of our modern life and understanding what this means to you is important. The Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) provides an opportunity for all residents in Florida to be aware of the following:

• What facilities and chemicals may be located near you

• Evacuation routes for your home, workplace and your children's schools

• Shelter-in-place procedures

• Industry and community warning systems
• Prepare a family and/or a business plan

The EPCRA requires certain facilities that have hazardous materials to report their inventories to the Florida Emergency Response Commission, their Local Emergency Planning Committee and local fire department. This information is available to residents upon request to the state commission or their LEPC. Statewide, the 11 LEPC's also serve to train our first responders and give emergency officials the technical assistance to safely handle hazardous materials incidents.

This week I urge you to take the time to learn more about the potential hazards you may face in your community. To get a plan, please go to www.floridadisaster.org.

Craig Fugate is the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management in Tallahassee.

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