Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) work to understand the hazards in the community, develop emergency plans in case of an accidental release or natural disaster, and look for ways to prevent accidents. The role of LEPCs is to form a partnership between local governments and industries to enhance all-hazards preparedness.  LEPCs are crucial to local hazardous materials planning and community right-to-know programs. The local government is responsible for hazmat planning and response within their jurisdiction. This includes:

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• Ensuring the local hazard analysis adequately addresses hazmat incidents;

• Incorporating planning for hazmat incidents into the local emergency management plan and annexes;

• Assessing capabilities and developing hazmat response capability using local resources, mutual aid and contractors;

• Training responders; and

• Exercising the plan.