Get Educated On Chemical Emergencies And Community Safety In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Residents interested in learning about the chemical hazards that are within their community are invited to attend two upcoming meetings with the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Somerset County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The planning committee is the designated entity the public turns to in the case of a significant chemical accident, to answer any questions concerning a response.

"OEM does an excellent job of connecting residents with life-saving information and providing access to expert advice on emergency preparedness and safety," said Somerset County Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to the Office of Emergency Management. "It’s not always possible to predict natural disasters and foresee unexpected emergencies, but through education and public awareness, we can learn how to better protect our communities."

Two meetings are hosted each year to create Emergency Response Plans (ERP), discuss safety practices, develop reporting procedures, and review offsite ERPs for different communities and districts in Somerset County.

Meeting Dates

• Thursday, June 5, at 5 p.m.
• Thursday, August 21, at 5 p.m.

Both meetings, which are open to the public and media, will be held at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, located at 402 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ.

Personnel from different industries, community organizations, and government agencies work hand-in-hand to share information and training opportunities to better prepare attendees for emergency situations and understanding the chemical hazards we may face.

Under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act, local emergency planning committees must develop an emergency response plan, review the plan at least annually, and provide information about chemicals in the community to citizens.

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Somerset County LEPC
The LEPC was formed as a result of the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986. Its purpose is to provide citizens and emergency responders with information about chemicals in Somerset County. The law requires communities plan for chemical emergencies and establish a chain of command using the National Incident Management System to make sure requirements are met. The LEPC is part of the chain of command.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.