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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArm Yourself - with Information ARM YOURSELF --- With Information Important Meeting November 7 Most of you know me as a Winter Springs City Commissioner; however, I also serve the citizens of Florida as a Commissioner on the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). It is in this capacity that I address the following comments. I believe it is important for you to have access to as much information as possible, to enable you to make well informed decisions. The Council of Local Governments in Seminole County will be hosting representatives of the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) at Winter Springs City Hall on Wednesday, November 7,2001, at 7:00 PM. and the public is encouraged to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to inform local leaders and private citizens about the functions of these entities and to answer any questions that you may have. So many people have said that they just don't know what they can do about the current national crisis. Here is something constructive and positive that you can do to help protect your family and your community. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said, at a Pentagon briefing, "Civilian agencies will play just as critical a role in the war on terrorism as the Defense Department," The following paragraphs outline the purpose, scope and function of the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). In addition, I have included a few web sites which contain further information, as well as a site devoted to information regarding Homeland Defense In 1986 Congress enacted the Emerqency Planninq and Community Riqht- To-Know Act (EPCRA). The Act has had a far-reaching influence on issues relating to hazardous materials. EPCRA contains five sections, which cover issues associated with the manufacture, use, exposure, transportation, and public education of hazardous materials. It is the mission of the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) to implement EPCRA in the State of Florida and mitigate the effects of a release or spill of hazardous materials. The State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) is responsible for implementing federal EPCRA provisions in Florida and serving as a technical advisor and information clearinghouse for state and federal hazardous materials programs. The Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) are appointed by the SERC. LEPCs consist of approximately 30 volunteer members representing safety and public health agencies as well as other community organizations and groups, including private citizens. Because LEPC members represent the community, they need to be familiar with factors that affect public safety, the environment, and the economy of the community. The LEPC Chairman nominates members and appointments are approved by the SERC. The 11 LEPCs in Florida develop emergency plans and procedures for immediate response to chemical accidents. In addition to its formal responsibilities, the LEPC serves as a focal point in the community for information and discussions about hazardous substances, emergency planning, and health and environmental risks. SERC Web Site - http://www.dca.state.f1.us/cps/SERC/serc.htm Federal Law - http://www4.law.comell.edu/uscode/42/ch116.html State Law - http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0252/part02.htm&Stat ute Y ear=2001 & Title=%2D%3E2001 %2D%3EChapter%20252%2D%3EPart%2011 http://www.homelandsecurity.org/bulletin/current_bulletin.htm (A Not-for-Profit Public Research Institute Advancinq National Strateqies and Enablinq Results Since 1958) Commissioner Cindy Gennell - cgennell@winterspringsfl.org