EP.basicsforME


	Speaking Points
	•Under SARA Title 3, every community is required to establish a local emergency planning committee to manage hazardous materials

	•This is an ideal forum for planning for other emergencies

	Narrative
	Under a federal law called SARA Title 3, every community is required to establish a local emergency planning committee to manage hazardous materials. This is a committee that is established within a city or town to monitor activities involving hazardous materials, and has representation from police, fire, hazmat teams, EMS, hospitals, industry, and citizens. This group is also responsible for planning how to respond to potential incidents involving these hazardous materials, for example a crashed chlorine tank, a large fire in a tire factory. Public health needs to be a critical component of these groups.

	This is a great forum for planning for other emergencies, as by federal law this group has to meet or the city or town will not receive highway funds. All of the key players are in one place, and this is an ideal opportunity to get to know one another and review your community’s emergency response plan.