In the wake of several significant hazardous materials incidents between 1984 and 1985, including the release of 40 tons of Methyl Isocyanate were released from a pesticide facility in Bhopa, India and a similar leak of Aldicarb Oxime and four other chemicals from a pesticide facility in Institute, WV, the U.S. Congress pass the Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). The main goals of this legislation were to require and support emergency planning for chemical releases and provide local government and citizens with information about hazardous substances.

From Bob Campbell, CEO of Alliance Solutions Group, Inc.

A couple weeks ago, extreme weather wreaked havoc throughout the Midwest. Last week another cold front produced 100-mph winds in Kansas and Nebraska. Over the last two years, the world has suffered through the pandemic, experienced labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, civil unrest, and cyberattacks.

Give Yourself a Hand

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been front and center as the current pandemic continues. It has become commonplace to see facial coverings and gloves used to prevent exposure to infectious diseases. But before the pandemic started, PPE played a key role in protecting the health and safety of our labor force.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has put the discussion of the uses and effectiveness of face coverings center stage. People that have never been required to wear face coverings, masks, or N-95s are now donning these devices with varying expectations regarding protection for themselves and others.

You’ve watched Olympians like Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad jump over hurdles and smash world records along the way. You smiled when Simone Biles got back on the beam and eloquently demonstrated the perfect balance. You sat in awe of Caeleb Dressel’s stellar execution of his races, which allowed him to bring home five gold medals. These athletes and many others are truly spectacular, yet none of it would have happened without the behind the scenes work and diligence of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
-Abraham Lincoln

The (Often Unsung) Heroes
When it comes to risk-based planning in a community, emergency managers weigh the likelihood of the threat verses the potential for harm to the environment and human life.

Most of us are not exposed to toxic chemicals or hazardous materials in our day-to-day jobs. Nonetheless, ASG is committed to making the world a safer place for everybody, which means looking to those who are at high risk for potential hazards. ASG takes into account a series of concerns: from hazardous material facilities to geographic locations and populations vulnerable to natural disasters because we believe all people deserve to live safe and healthy lives.

Have you ever considered how many hazardous materials (Hazmat) are in your community? It may shock you if you looked into it. The majority of communities across the U.S. have businesses that are storing, transporting, manufacturing, or utilizing Hazmat.

What comes to mind for you when you think about the 4th of July? For me, I picture the warm summer sun, food cooked over a fire, and of course, an extravagant fireworks show! However, I also reminisce on the delightful time shared with my family.

Hazmat Response Game Changer

What comes to mind when you think about Hazmat Response? For many, it is the image of a person decked out in a Level A Hazmat Suit with a detector outstretched to sample the hazard. This is the current all-hazards response approach to potential Hazmat incidents.