GOVERNOR SCOTT PROCLAIMS FEBRUARY 13 – 19, 2011 AS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AWARENESS WEEK IN FLORIDA

Governor Rick Scott has proclaimed February 13 – 19, 2011 as “Hazardous Materials Awareness Week” in Florida. Joining Governor Scott in commemorating the educational week is the Florida Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) for Hazardous Materials and the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs). This year’s theme is: Sheltering in Place.

“The growth of the state’s industrial and energy-producing facilities has made Florida one of the most attractive places to live and work. However, as we enjoy the benefits of these products, we must also be aware of their potential dangers in the unlikely event of an accident,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Bryan W. Koon. “I am grateful for Governor Scott’s declaration of this important week and encourage all Floridians to take this opportunity to learn about the hazardous materials facilities in your area and to get a family disaster plan.”

LEPCs are responsible for preparing regional hazardous materials emergency response plans, managing local hazardous materials inventories and information, and performing outreach functions to increase hazardous materials awareness. In Florida, thousands of first responders and local emergency managers have received free training provided an/or coordinated by the LEPCs over the last several years.

Each year, LEPCs plan hazardous materials public education and training events throughout the week. To find out about these events in your area, visit: http://floridadisaster.org/hazmat/lepc/index.htm.

For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN! please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/flsert or join our blog at http://flsertinfo.blogspot.com/.