The state planning groups are referred to as the State Emergency Response Commissions (SERC) and are responsible for developing and maintaining the state's emergency response plan. This includes ensuring that planning and training are taking place throughout the state, as well as providing technical assistance to local governments.

The coordinating point for both planning and training activities at the local level is the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC), which includes representatives from fire and law departments, emergency management, public health officials, industry personnel, and elected officials, as well as others. The LEPC is responsible for developing and/or coordinating the local emergency response system and capabilities. The LEPC is required to:

• Develop and regularly test and exercise the hazmat Emergency Response Plan
• Compile information on each facility in which hazmats are stored, used or prepared for transport within the community
• Coordinate the Community Right-to-Know aspects of SARA Title III

The Series
Organization for HazMat Emergencies, a three-film series designed to help communities and facilities satisfy the requirements of SARA Title III, is organized into three video programs, "Hazards Analysis," "The Emergency Plan," and "Exercises." Although designed as a series, each tape is also available separately and can stand alone as quality training material for the designated topic. Each film is accompanied by free supplementary literature provided by government agencies.

Hazards Analysis

"Hazards Analysis," the first program in Organization for HazMat Emergencies, explains to companies, response personnel and community groups how hazards analysis works. Using case studies, the program teaches hazards identification, vulnerability analysis and probability analysis. It also discusses balancing probability and consequences in risk analysis and using toxicity, flammability and reactivity to prioritize hazards.

The program explains the difference between hazard and risk, stressing that the starting point for setting up a response program is to systematically list all the hazards present in the facility or community, then to analyze the risks that the most important hazards pose. Industry is warned to look at the whole product cycle in determining hazards, while community planners are taught to survey and evaluate their entire area, particularly transportation corridors.

Handbook of Chemical Hazard Analysis Procedures, a publication from FEMA, The Department of Transportation, and the EPA, is included free with this film. (28 minutes)

28 minutes Price: $195

 

The Emergency Plan

Part Two of Organization for HazMat Emergencies is "The Emergency Plan." Designed in accordance with National Response Team guidelines, this program outlines the responsibilities of companies, response personnel and community groups within the framework of the emergency plan.

The film goes through the five steps of effective emergency planning: (1) reviewing existing plans, (2) conducting hazards analysis, (3) assessing response capabilities, (4) developing the plan, and (5) testing, revising and maintaining the plan. It explains the importance of building a planning team among people with diverse fields of expertise and responsibilities and tells how to develop command, control and communications protocols.

The difference between site-specific and emergency operations plans is explained, and the need for pre-incident planning and hazards analysis is stressed. Other topics covered include incident prevention, cooperation between industry and community agencies, and reference materials and other resources for assistance. The basic elements of the actual emergency plan are outlined, with suggestions for customizing the plan to the specific jurisdiction.

The National Response Team's Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide is included free with this program. (22 minutes)

22 minutes Price: $195

Exercises

The final film in the Organization for HazMat Emergencies series is "Exercises," which is designed to help communities and industry carry out comprehensive exercise programs to test and evaluate emergency plans. Created with the assistance of the Washington, DC Office of Emergency Preparedness, this program explains how to organize an exercise design team and how to select objectives. Valuable pointers are offered on conducting realistic exercises, evaluating the exercise, and applying the lessons learned in updating and revising existing emergency plans.

Among the topics covered in the program are tabletop, functional and field exercises, writing the scenario, the control plan, dealing with the media and the neighborhood, assessing the effectiveness of the team, finding support from government and private agencies, and follow-up activities. The program suggests that the design team draw from actual past incidents or potential incidents to create a scenario, and that as many resources as possible be mobilized.

Two publications, Developing a Hazardous Materials Exercise Program (from the National Response Team) and Hazardous Materials Exercise Evaluation Methodology Manual from FEMA, are included free with the film. (29 minutes)

29 minutes Price: $195