Emergency Management

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Clark County Local Emergency Planning Committee

Hazardous chemicals are everywhere in our community. They are under our kitchen sinks, in our cars, on our highways, and in our workplaces. Most of the time, we're protected from these chemicals because of comprehensive regulations and a commitment to safety by those whose job it is to manage dangerous chemicals. Still, chemical accidents happen all the time and when they happen they require a coordinated effort by the spillers, businesses, responders, hazmat teams, contractors, hospitals, and others who have a role to play in responding to an incident.

The Clark County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) is here to support preparedness for chemical emergencies and to facilitate communication and coordination among those who have a stake in hazardous materials response and recovery. The LEPC is involved in -

The maintenance of the Clark County Hazardous Materials Response Plan
Making information about chemical inventories available to the public
Assessment of industrial and transportation-related chemical hazards
Coordinating training and exercises
Supporting public-private partnerships for preparedness
Educating the public about chemical hazards and how they should prepare and respond

The LEPC is authorized by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). In Washington State, every county is required to have an LEPC.

The Clark County LEPC meets monthly at the Northwest Regional Training Center at 2 PM. All meetings are open to the public. Here is the meeting calendar for 2012:

February 23
March 22
April 26
May 24
June 28
July 19

August 23
September 27
October 25
November 15
December 20

Meeting times are subject to change. Attendees are encouraged to confirm meetings by checking the CRESA Calendar for the most updated information.

Protecting yourself from chemical incidents

Do you know what you'll do if you come upon a chemical spill or if there is a hazardous materials incident in your neighborhood or at your workplace?

If you come across a suspicious container, package, or substance that may be hazardous, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If there is a chemical emergency near you, public safety officials may require evacuation. However, very often they may ask that you get indoors, close all doors and window, and shut off the ventilation system. This protective action, called 'shelter-in-place', is usually the best way to protect yourself from hazardous vapors. For more information see Know What to do During Chemical Emergencies.

If you or your business is responsible for a spill it is very important that you take immediate steps to protect public health and safety and meet your legal obligations. If the spill presents a potential threat to life, health, and the environment, call 9-1-1 immediately. You also need to make certain required notifications. For more information, see How to Report a Spill.

Learn About Chemicals in Your Community

Do you know what businesses in your community use chemicals? Businesses that have chemicals are required to report their inventories each year to state and local officials. Those state and local officials are then required to make that information available to you upon request. You may contact CRESA to make a request for those records. That information is also available from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Check out their EPCRA homepage for more information.