Local Emergency Planning Committees

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), enacted as Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA), charged MEMA with establishing Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) throughout the state, thus, the Jackson County LEPC was created. The LEPC was originally designed to provide a forum for emergency... management agencies, responders, industry, and the public to work together to evaluate, understand, and communicate chemical hazards in the community and develop appropriate emergency plans in case of accidental release of these chemicals. However, in recent years, the LEPCs planning efforts have often been refocused to include planning for a variety of disasters that may affect our community; even taking an all-hazards approach to planning and no longer solely focusing on chemical emergency preparedness. Develop and maintain up-to-date plan for hazardous material and chemical emergency accidents. This plan can be expanded to include all hazards if agreed upon by LEPC members. Review the plan annually and make any needed updates or changes. Collect and store information from regulated facilities regarding hazardous materials stored, manufactured or used. Identify people and equipment resources for responding to hazardous materials accidents. Provide the public education on emergency preparedness for hazardous materials accidents. Conduct an emergency response exercise annually and incorporate any lessons learned into the plan update. Support training for emergency preparedness and emergency responders as able.Read More