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The Allen County Hazardous Materials Emergency
Planning Committee, a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC),
was established in 1988. The organization is made up of 30
members who represent community, government and industry.
In support of the community’s right-to-know, the committee
is a county-wide organization responsible for developing and
maintaining a community emergency response plan and receiving
information about chemicals used, manufactured and stored
in Allen County. As part of this role, LEPC also provides
information on actions to be taken by residents should a major
incident occur.
The group meets every other month, receives
information about the amount and location of hazardous chemicals
in the community and develops and annually tests emergency
response plans for the community that include alarm systems
and Shelter-in-Place information.
The focus of the LEPC is limited to emergency
planning for hazardous materials. The Allen County Emergency
Management Agency (EMA) handles implementation of these plans.
The EMA implements and coordinates emergency plans for hazardous
materials incidents as well as for other natural or man-made
disasters, such as tornadoes and bomb threats.
The Allen County LEPC and EMA work regularly
with industry and the community to ensure that the appropriate
emergency response, education and hazard analysis procedures
are in place.
Emergency Planning Actions
Community Warning Systems
Emergency Alert System – immediate
emergency broadcasts over 12 radio stations, 3 TV stations
and local cable TV system.
Emergency Information System – closed
circuit radio system allowing Allen County Emergency Management
Agency (EMA) to broadcast emergency information to special
populations such as schools, nursing homes, daycare centers.
Community Warning Sirens located within
Allen County. Designed to warn persons outdoors to go indoors
and tune to local radio and TV for official emergency information.
11 sirens controlled by EMA through 911 dispatch center. 12
operated by local fire districts.
Mobile Alert System to provide additional
warning. Police, fire, other emergency vehicles driving through
affected areas with sirens on, and in some cases, making special
loudspeaker announcements.
Informational brochures about Shelter-in-Place
and other emergency procedures. Available free through EMA
office in the Justice Center.
Speakers from LEPC and EMA available to
speak at local civic and community organizations.
Instructions for hazardous materials emergencies,
including Shelter-in-Place published in center Area Activity
Guide section of Lima/Allen County phone book.
In-school programs from LEPC and EMA inform
area students about community warning systems, hazardous materials
emergencies, Shelter-in-Place and other topics.
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