Washington — Chemical facilities should take steps now to prepare for hurricane season, including securing hazardous materials and training workers on emergency procedures, the Chemical Safety Board says.
Hurricane season along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts lasts through Nov. 30. CSB says “adequate preparations” can help workers, emergency responders and surrounding communities stay safe in the event of a storm.
Other recommended actions: ensure backup power for critical safety systems and coordinate with local emergency management authorities.
“Preparation is key to minimizing the effects of extreme weather on chemical facilities,” CSB member Sylvia Johnson said in a press release. “Facilities must not let their guard down against these hazards, or the consequences may be dire.”
Although the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting lower-than-average hurricane activity in the Atlantic, CSB Chair Steve Owens reminds industry stakeholders that “it only takes one bad storm hitting one unprepared facility to lead to a catastrophic chemical incident.”
