Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

Local Emergency Planning Committee
  • Local Emergency Operations Plan

What is a LEPC?
LEPC (LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE)
A committee appointed by the State Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs), which consists of representatives of all of the following groups and organizations:
  • Elected State and Local Officials
  • Law Enforcement
  • Emergency Management Agency
  • Fire Fighting
  • First Aid
  • Health
  • Local Environmental & Transportation Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Broadcast & Print Media
  • Community Group
  • Representatives of Facilities Subject to the Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act Requirements

LEPC's Tasks:
  • Develop an emergency plan to prepare for chemical emergencies.
  • Review emergency plan annually and update.
  • Receive emergency release and hazardous chemical inventory information submitted by local facilities (available to the public)
  • Establish and publicize procedures for handling public request for information.- Serve as a focal point in the community for information and discussions about hazardous substance, and emergency planning.

Emergency Plan (for chemical emergencies) must include:
  • The identity and location of hazardous materials in the County.
  • Information for response to chemical incidents.
  • Ways to notify the public
  • Names of coordinators at facilities Subject to EPCRA reporting.

Mission Statement
The MISSION of the Glynn County Local Emergency Planning Committee is to protect and serve all the citizens of the County by promoting hazardous materials safety for all segments of the community. This includes providing and advisory, educational and technical resource for the development and implementation of hazardous materials safety programs, both in the city of Brunswick and in the unincorporated sections of Glynn County.

Are You Prepared for a Hazardous Materials Emergency?
Hazardous materials are common in our environment because they are used by industry, business, government and private citizens on a daily basis. If a material has a potential to damage human life it is considered hazardous.

The key to safety is knowing what to do and what not to do if a hazardous material spill or accident occurs.

The LEPC has developed the following guidelines to help you reduce the danger from hazardous material release emergency. Keep this information handy and discuss it with your family so everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency situation.

If there is an emergency you will be warned by local authorities through the news media which specific areas need to take which type of emergency actions. Follow the directions given during the emergency carefully. Continue to listen to the local media until they inform you that the emergency is over. You might be asked to take one of three actions:
  1. Protect Your Breathing
  2. Shelter in Place
  3. Evacuate

If you have special needs person next door make sure they know what to do.

Protect Your Breathing:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a damp handkerchief or if possible, a large wet bath towel or cloth

Shelter In Place: (will normally last a maximum of 2-3 hours)
  • Go inside and bring pets inside. (Stay there until your local radio or TV stations report that you may leave.)
  • Close all and lock all doors and windows (Use masking tape or damp towels to seal the openings if possible)
  • Close window curtains, shades and blinds (to keep house cool.)
  • Turn OFF heating, cooling and ventilation systems (to prevent outside air from entering)
  • Do not use fireplaces. (Put out the fire, close the dampers.)
  • Do NOT go to school to pick up your children. (School officials will be prepared to take special precautions.)
  • Go to an aboveground room with the fewest windows and doors. (If possible, choose one with an adjoining bathroom.)
  • Jam wet towels in the cracks under doors and windows to block air flow.
  • Block air vents using plastic sheeting or bags and tape.
  • If there is no building to shelter in place, get into a car.
  • Listen to your radio or television for further instructions.
  • Limit phone calls, since lines may be needed for emergency response.

Evacuate:
  • Stay as calm as possible
  • Gather items you and your family will need such as extra clothing, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, first aid kit, baby and children supplies for at least three days, portable radio and flashlight, checkbook, credit cards, drivers license or other identification.
  • Turn OFF the lights and your household appliances. Leave your refrigerator and freezer ON.
  • Move to the place designated by public authorities.
  • When you leave, tie a towel or rag on your front door handle so that law enforcement and rescue personnel will know you are not inside.
  • Keep your car vents and windows closed. Do not use the heater or air conditioner. Drive carefully; be patient with fellow drivers.
  • If you need a ride, go with a friend, relative or neighbor. Ask law enforcement officials for transportation if nothing else is available.
  • If your children have to leave their schools, you will be told by the radio and TV stations where to pick up your child when it is safe.
  • Secure your home before you leave.

If you see an accident or incident that may involve hazardous materials, please notify the emergency authorities at 9-1-1. Report briefly what you have seen and let authorities handle the situation. Do not approach a hazardous material emergency scene.

Don't wait for an emergency, prepare now!
Prepare a "Shelter in Place Kit":
  • Shelter in Place Instructions
  • 1 gallon of Bottled Water
  • Plastic Drop Cloth (to seal vents and windows)
  • Duct Tape (for sealing cracks)
  • Moist Towels (to seal off shelter door)
  • AM/FM radio with batteries
  • Know Hazardous Substance produced, stored or transported in your area.
  • Learn location of ventilation system shut off for your home/location.
  • Determine your shelter in place location and repair seals around windows and doors