NCJ Number
194390
Journal
The Beacon Volume: 2 Issue: 5 Dated: February 2000 Pages: 1-6
Date Published
2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This newsletter intended for emergency responders describes the structure and responsibilities of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs); presents the contents of an online "chat session" among first responders sponsored by the National Domestic Preparedness Office (NDPO); profiles the "On-Scene Commander's Guide for Responding to Biological/Chemical Threats;" and announces domestic preparedness workshops sponsored by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support (OSLDPS).
Abstract
LEPCs play a vital role in helping the public, emergency responders, and others understand chemical information, other environmental data, and what to do if an accident occurs. Because LEPC members represent all segments and institutions in the community, they are familiar with factors that affect public safety, the environment, and the local economy. During the last decade, LEPCs have continued to expand their roles and assume new duties. Currently, they act as the intermediary between the public and industry, provide guidance to communities on what steps to take during a chemical emergency, and evaluate facility commitments to reduce chemical accidents and ensure these pledges are met. The online chat session sponsored by the NDPO focused on the Common Communication Link (CCL), which involves the creation of a shared system used by law enforcement, health, military, fire, and emergency management services responding to WMD (weapons of mass destruction) incidents. The chat session addressed communication tools, information resources, and future plans. The "On-Scene Commander's Guide" is a tool designed to assist commanders in the field with the assessment of options during the first 2 hours of an incident that involves a potential biological or chemical agent. It is intended to augment existing response policies and not supersede local protocols. Dates and locations for each of the OJP/OSLDPS domestic preparedness workshops are listed.