Local Emergency Planning Committee
The December 1984 toxic gas disaster in Bhopal, India focused worldwide attention on the possibility that accidents at facilities handling hazardous chemicals could harm neighboring communities. In the United States, federal, state, and local governments responded with laws to improve accident prevention and emergency response planning activities by chemical-handling facilities and local governments. These laws also increase public access to information, known as “Right-to-Know”, about the storage and use of hazardous chemicals.
The Vanderburgh County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) us a State entity created pursuant to SARA Title III (Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act), known as “Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986” (EPCRA).
The legislative requirement of the Committee is to implement SARA Title III in Indiana, but the broader and more comprehensive purpose is to enhance public health, safety, and environmental protection in Vanderburgh County.
MISSION OF THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY LEPC
The mission of the Vanderburgh County LEPC is to:
Develop and maintain an up-to-date comprehensive emergency plan for our community. To be effective, planning must be an ongoing activity;
Receive and record information about chemical releases;
Collect, manage, and provide public access to information on hazardous chemicals:
Educate the public about the risks from accidental and routine releases of chemicals:
Work with facilities to minimize the risks.
WHY BE CONCERNED?
Many aspects of modern technology involve the use of chemicals with hazardous properties. In fact, more than 500,000 such substances are known, and this number is expected to increase. While many of these materials provide great benefits, their use involves risk. The fire and police departments, along with many other agencies, need the information LEPCs compile in order to plan for and respond to the chemical emergencies we may face.
MEETINGS
All meetings are open to the public. For more information contact the VLEPC at (812) 435-5035
The Vanderburgh County LEPC meets on the first Wednesday every other month, beginning in January, at 8:30 a.m. Meeting places and types of meetings (i.e. In-Person, Online) will be scheduled as determined per the Governor. The remaining meetings of 2020 are July 29, September 2, and November 4. Due to the current pandemic of COVID-19 our July 29 meeting will be hosted online. Please contact Chief Adam Farrar at 812-430-3138 for meeting information.
VANDERBURGH LEPC MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
The Vanderburgh County LEPC is composed of community representatives working to build a safer environment. Representatives on the LEPC involves people from:
Local/State Government
Industry
Fire Fighting
Health Department
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Management
Transportation Services
Environmental
Community Groups
Law Enforcement
Broadcast/News Media
Hospital
WHAT TO DO IN A CHEMICAL EMERGENCY:
- TRUCK, TRAIN, PLANT, PIPELINE, ETC.
FIRST
Go indoors and listen to local radio or TV for instructions. Stay inside unless you are told you can leave.
If you are in a vehicle, close windows and air systems.
TO SHELTER IN PLACE
Close all windows and doors.
Turn off heating, cooling or ventilation systems. Close fireplace damper.
If eyes, nose or throat become irritated, protect your breathing by covering your mouth with a damp cloth, take frequent shallow breaths and stay calm.
IF EVACUATION IS ORDERED BY AUTHORITIES
Stay calm.
Gather what you and your family will need. Take such essential items as medicine, baby supplies, driver's license, checkbook.
Don't forget about your pets.
Keep car windows and air vents closed.
Police officers along route will direct you.