MISSION
It is the responsibility of Central City government to protect the public from harmful effects when a hazardous material is released into the environment.
SARA TITLE III
The Superfund and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III) requires the development and maintenance of detailed procedures for identifying facilities with extremely hazardous materials and for ensuring an adequate emergency response capability by these facilities and by local emergency services. Central City officials developed a plan to meet SARA Title III requirements. A copy of this plan is available in the City Hall library.
ORGANIZATION
A. The Fire Chief must be notified immediately and will respond or designate another chief officer to assume command at the accident site. First responders, such as law enforcement personnel, will assume command until the arrival of the Fire Chief or the Fire Chief's designee. First responders, the Fire Chief, or the Fire Chief's designee should implement immediate protective action. The Police Department is responsible for traffic control and effecting evacuation. The Mayor, assisted by the Emergency Manger, is responsible for coordinating the response from the Emergency Operations Center.
B. If the emergency is of such magnitude that local resources are inadequate, the following organizations are available to provide information and advice:
- Chemical Transportation Information Hotline (CHEMHOT), 1-800-825-9900 (toll free).
- Pesticide Safety Information Center (PSIC), contacted through CHEMHOT.
- Pesticides - Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Radioactive Materials - Department of Health (ask for Radiological Health Specialist support.)
- Etiological Agents - Department of Health.
- Oil or Other Polluting Substances in Water - State Water Control Board.
- Hazardous Chemicals - Division of Chemical Laboratory Services.
- Federal and State Assistance - Department of Emergency Services.
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
Immediate response to an accident involving hazardous materials should be limited to aiding the injured and preventing access to the area surrounding the incident. The incident should then be reported to the State of Columbia Department of Emergency Services, which will provide technical guidance and coordinate assistance as required.
The U. S. Department of Transportation "Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Guidebook" has been developed for use by fire fighters, police, and other emergency services personnel called to respond to an incident. It identifies the most significant hazardous materials and gives information and guidance for initial actions to be taken. Fire chiefs, emergency services personnel, and all potential first responders should be familiar with and have ready access to this handbook.
Receipt of notification that an accident has occurred requires immediate action to evaluate and assess the situation. Time is of the essence and dictates immediate action to employ required emergency resources to control or contain the material involved, implement evacuation procedures if required, and isolate the accident area to all but emergency services personnel.
The legal duty for reporting, containment, and cleanup of hazardous substances incidents rests with the party responsible for the material prior to the incident. If the manufacturer, shipper, or other responsible party is unable to respond, neglects to take the proper steps, or lacks the capability to act, local government, within its capability, must act to prevent or minimize injuries and property damage.
Local government has the primary responsibility for protecting the public. Depending upon the magnitude or severity of the situation, local government will take steps necessary to provide public warnings, initiate protective actions, and isolate the general area affected.
A working relationship should be established and maintained between local government and the management of local industrial plants where hazardous substances are located. These hazardous materials should be identified and planned response procedures should be coordinated.
Communications networks will consist of those employed in other peacetime emergencies but must be adequate to provide effective direction, control, and coordination of emergency operations peculiar to accidents involving hazardous materials.
An accident involving radioactive materials could result in the uncontrolled release of radiation and could pose a health hazard to those exposed, including emergency services personnel. Radiation measurement and detection instruments, in the hands of trained personnel, are the only means of gaining reasonably accurate information on the radiation level at the accident site. Radiological monitoring equipment is obtained from the State Department of Emergency Services and is maintained and distributed by the Central City Radiological Officer.
The heads of law enforcement and fire and rescue services will ensure that all personnel are adequately trained in procedures for responding to accidents involving hazardous materials and that peak efficiency is maintained at all times. All law enforcement patrol cars, fire and rescue vehicles, and all other emergency service vehicles should contain a copy of the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Guidebook. The Fire Department should obtain the appropriate protective equipment to perform their assigned tasks in a hazardous materials environment.
The Emergency Manager is responsible for maintaining and updating this hazardous materials functional annex. He or she will coordinate with the planning committee responsible for the SARA Title III plan and will ensure compatibility between that plan and the City/County Emergency Operations Plans. All departments and agencies assigned to respond to an accident involving hazardous materials will develop and keep current procedures to ensure an adequate response capability.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACTIONS - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENTS
1. Normal Operations
a. The Emergency Manager, on behalf of the Emergency Management Policy Group, develops plans and procedures for hazardous materials incidents. The Emergency Manager coordinates with the Central City Fire Department and local industrial plants. The Emergency Manager ensures compatibility between the Emergency Operations Plan and the SARA Title III plan.
b. The Emergency Manager, Fire Chief, and Police Chief provide or coordinate training for fire and police personnel so that they are prepared to recognize a hazardous materials incident and to promptly isolate and secure the accident scene.
2. Increased Readiness
Not applicable. Hazardous materials incidents typically occur with little or no advance warning.
3. Emergency Operations
a. Mobilization Phase - Requires full-scale mitigation and preparedness activities.
(1) The Fire Chief will serve as the controlling Department Head in the event of a hazardous materials incident. The Fire Chief will ensure initial mobilization of emergency response personnel, will implement an on-scene Incident Command Post, and will designate an on-scene Incident Commander.
(2) In the event the Fire Chief or other authorized Fire Department official is prevented from performing this function, the Police Chief will carry out the mobilization phase. The Police Chief will surrender control as soon as the Fire Chief or other authorized Fire Department official is capable of assuming responsibility.
b. Response Phase - An emergency response is required to protect lives and property.
Emergency Operations Center Department Heads, in accordance with their individual Mission Statements:
(1) Assess the situation. Detect the presence of and identify hazardous materials. Refer to the Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Guidebook and to Annex A - Direction and Control of this Emergency Operations Plan.
(2) If hazardous materials are involved, isolate and secure the accident scene.
(3) Alert the area Fire Chief, or the Fire Chief's designee, to assume command on site.
(4) Establish and maintain direct communication between the local Emergency Operations Center and the Fire Chief or other on-scene controller.
(5) Report to the State Emergency Operations Center. Request a technical analysis of the probability of a disaster, its likely consequences, and recommended protective actions. If the incident involves a transportation accident, establish and maintain contact with the railroad or trucking company involved.
(6) Consider response alternatives to protect the public. Estimate potential harm without intervention. Consider evacuation.
(7) Direct protective action.
(8) Alert hospitals of the nature of the hazard and to prepare to receive potential victims.
(9) Conduct radiological monitoring, if appropriate.
(10) Provide periodic status reports to the State Emergency Operations Center.
4. Recovery
Requires that priority attention be given to the restoration of essential facilities and an assessment of damage effects.
Emergency Operations Center Department Heads, in accordance with their individual Mission Statements:
a. Declare the area safe for re-entry after the danger has passed.
b. Assess damages. Request post-disaster assistance, as appropriate.
c. Restore facilities and services. Bill the responsible party for expenses incurred.