Warren County LEPC

The Warren County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) was appointed by the Kentucky Emergency Response Commission (SERC). LEPCs must consist of representatives of all of the following groups and organizations: Elected and Local officials, law enforcement, emergency  management, firefighting, first aid, public health, local environmental and transportation agencies, hospitals, media, community groups, and local facilities. The LEPCs initial task is to develop an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. EPA's list of extremely hazardous substances may provide a focus for setting priorities in the planning effort. The plan must be reviewed annually, tested, and updated. Because the LEPC's members represent the community, they should be familiar with factors that affect public safety, the environment, and the economy of the community. 

 An LEPC can most effectively carry out its responsibilities as a community forum by taking steps to educate the public about chemical risks, and working with facilities to minimize those risks. The value of the information provided by the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act will be limited unless citizens are given the means to understand the information and its implications. The LEPC's ability to improve the safety and health of its community will be greatly enhanced by the support of an informed and active citizenry. 

To submit your annual Tier II report, click the link below. Once your reports are finished, please submit an electronic copy to tier2@wcem.org

 http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/epcra/statetier2.htm#kentucky 

  A chemical spill has just happened!
What do I do?

Shelter-in-Place!

1. Move inside.
2. Shut and lock all windows and doors.
3. Turn off ventilation systems ( Heating and air conditioning).
4. Seal any windows and/or vents with plastic and duct tape.
5. Seal doors with duct tape around the top and sides: place a wet towel at the base of the door.
6. If you have a fireplace, close the damper.
7. Turn on a TV or radio and listen for further instructions.
8. Stay off the phone. Responders will need phone lines.
9. Be prepared to evacuate if ordered to do so by public safety officials. You will be given instructions on how to evacuate.
10. Stay tuned until the all-clear message is broadcast.

OTHER:

If you believe you may have been exposed to a hazardous chemical, or feel ill or unusual, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dial 9-1-1 to report the symptoms and ask which medical facility nearest you to go to.

(Exposure to some hazardous chemicals can cause illness and symptoms to develop hours after the actual exposure. When in doubt, seek medical attention.)

EVACUATION

• TURN YOUR RADIO OR TELEVISION ON
• PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS
• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
• TURN OFF THE VENTILATION SYSTEM
• DO NOT TIE UP TELEPHONES
• DO NOT BLOCK TRAFFIC
• GO WHERE YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO GO

 Churches, Neighborhood Watches, civic clubs, and other community groups can be instrumental in raising awareness of Shelter-In-Place procedures, and they can also help by working with the local emergency response agencies to prepare an evacuation plan and notification procedures. For more information on how you can become involved in protecting your community, contact your local LEPC.