13 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2017 LAMAR COUNTY MITIGATION PLAN

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Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three HAZARD PROFILE: SECTION THIRTEEN - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 1. Descriptions Hazardous materials are substances which if released or misused can cause death, serious injury, long- lasting health effects, and damage to structure and other properties as well as to the environment. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products are also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways, and pipelines. 2. Location BE PREPARED Have disaster supplies on hand. • Flashlight and extra batteries • Portable, battery- operated radio & extra batteries • First aid kit and manual • Emergency food and water • Nonelectric can opener • Essential medicines • Cash and credit cards • Sturdy shoes Varying quantities of hazardous materials from industrial chemicals and toxic waste to household detergent and air fresheners, hazardous materials are part of our everyday lives. Hazardous material incidents can range from a chemical spill on a highway to contamination of groundwater by naturally occurring methane gas. Communities and residences located near industries or other property that use hazardous materials have a higher risk of a hazardous materials incident. However, many hazardous materials are transported regularly over our highways and by rail, and if released during transport these materials can spread quickly to any nearby community. Human error is the probable cause of most transportation incidents involving the release of hazardous materials. Specialized equipment is often required to safely handle or dispose of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials incidents vary in their intensity, size, and duration. Most incidents are small in scope and only require a limited response. Occasionally there will be a large incident or one involving a chemical that requires evacuation of the surrounding area. 3. Extent Title III of the 1986 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) and the Clean Air Act of 1990 mandate 'cradle to grave' tracking of specified hazardous materials by requiring users to report what chemicals they are using, releasing into the air, and how they will respond to an emergency. Two Categories of hazardous materials incidents are addressed in this plan: • Incidents at fixed hazardous materials facilities • Incidents involving the transportation of toxic materials. In a hazardous materials incident, solid, liquid, and /or gaseous contaminants may be released from fixed or mobile containers. Weather conditions will directly affect how thee hazard develops. Shielding (sheltering -in- place) can protect people and property from harmful effects. Conversely, non - compliance with fire and building codes and failure to take other fire and containment precautions can substantially increase the damage from hazardous materials release. 152