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Golden Rules for Communities
The following excerpt was from an article "The Practical Evaluation of Local Emergency Planning and
Preparedness" written by the National Association of SARA Title III Program Officials.
While the primary responsibilities lie with the industry, there are important
responsibilities for stakeholders at the local level.
An important aspect of making the facilities safer to the community in which they exist is the
communities’ involvement with prevention and preparedness objectives
Be aware of the risks in your community and know what to do in the event of an
accident.
Members of communities near hazardous installations, and others that might be affected in the event of
an accident, should make sure that they understand the risks they face and what to do in the event of an
accident to mitigate possible adverse effects on health, the environment and property (e.g., understand
the warning signals, and what actions are appropriate). This involves reading and maintaining any
information they receive, sharing this information with others, and seeking additional information as
appropriate.
Communicate and co-operate with other stakeholders on all aspects of accident
prevention, preparedness, and response.
The community should not pressure the industry, but instead there should be an open policy between
the community and the industry, and a shared objective of reducing the likelihood of accidents. The
potentially affected public should receive information needed to support prevention and preparedness
objectives, and should participate in decision making related to hazardous installations, as appropriate.
Participate in decision-making relating to hazardous installations.
The laws in many communities provide opportunities for members of the public to participate in
decision-making related to hazardous installations, for example by commenting on proposed regulations
or zoning decisions, or providing input for procedures concerning licensing or siting of specific
installations. Members of the public should take advantage of these opportunities to present the
perspective of the community. They should work towards ensuring that such opportunities exist
whenever appropriate, and that the public has the information necessary for effective participation.
Know the hazards and risks at installations in your community where there are hazardous
substances.
The community should undertake, in co-operation with other stakeholders, the hazard identification and
risk assessments needed for a complete understanding of the risks to the public, the environment, and
property in the event of an accident. Hazard identification and risk assessments should be undertaken
from the earliest stages of design and construction, throughout operation and maintenance, and should
address the possibilities of human or technological failures, as well as releases resulting from natural
disasters or deliberate acts (such as terrorism, sabotage, vandalism, or theft). Such assessments should
be repeated periodically and whenever there are significant modifications to the installation.
Prepare for any accidents that occur.
It is important to recognize that it is not possible to totally eliminate the risk of an accident. Therefore, it
is critical to have appropriate preparedness planning in order to minimize the likelihood and extent of
any adverse effects on health, the environment or property. The community should conduct, in co-
operation with other stakeholders, any off-site planning including provision of information to the
potentially affected public.
Co-operate with local authorities, and industry, in emergency planning and response.
Representatives of the community should take advantage of opportunities to provide input into the
emergency planning process, both with respect to on-site and off-site plans. In addition, members of the
public should co-operate with any tests or exercises of emergency plans, following directions and
providing feedback, as appropriate.
Assist other stakeholders to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities.
The community should co-operate with management and employee representatives and public
authorities in order to promote communication and involvement from all stakeholders involved.