April 16, 2004

LANSING - With the week of May 2-8, 2004, designated as Chemical Awareness Week, local communities are being encouraged to become more knowledgeable about chemicals according to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Division.

Everyday, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways, and waterways, leaving any area vulnerable to an accident. Thousands of hazardous materials incidents occur yearly, resulting in injuries and deaths and causing millions in damage.

According to Captain John Ort, Deputy State Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and Chair of the Michigan Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Commission, "the awareness week promotion is an opportunity for local officials to become more aware of what chemical hazards exist in their community and to review procedures on how to handle emergencies. The more you know about potential chemical hazards in your area, the better equipped you and your local government are to make wise decisions about how to manage possible incidents."

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Division provides training for emergency responders on how to respond to chemical spills and other hazardous materials incidents at their Hazardous Materials Training Center in Lansing. The Center, established in 1991 in partnership with the chemical industry, offers over 100 courses and trains over 3,000 students each year from the public and private sector on planning, inspection, response, mitigation and clean-up activities involving hazardous materials.

"Chemicals have really become a part of our everyday lives, not only industrial chemicals, but household chemicals as well, including detergents and cleaners, air fresheners, lawn fertilizers and house paint. Everyone needs to become more knowledgeable about the proper use, handling, transportation and disposal of these items to protect their families" Captain Ort stated.

Some emergency actions families may need to consider include:

• If you witness a hazardous materials accident, spill or leak, call 911, your local emergency notification number or the fire department.

• If you should hear a warning signal, turn on your radio or television station for further information from emergency response personnel.

• Stay away from the incident site in order to minimize your chances of contamination.

• If you are caught outside during an incident, try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind.

• If you are in a car or at home, turn off all ventilation and close all windows.

• To avoid contamination from household chemicals, follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions exactly, including the use of goggles, rubber gloves, respirators, and other safety equipment.

For further information on chemical awareness in your community, contact your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) or your local emergency management coordinator. For further information on training offered by the Michigan State Police, Hazardous Materials Training Center