I
am very honored to serve the citizens of Deer Park as both City
Manager and Chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
I believe very strongly in the work this coalition of industry,
city, school and interested citizens provides to keep our
city safe.
As
our industry neighbors take steps to prevent emergencies
through detailed in place emergency response plans, we should
be aware of and know the best protective practices for the
protection of ourselves and our families. I encourage you
to review the LEPC web site and ask questions, and to keep
yourself informed for the protection of your families.
The
Deer Park LEPC promotes shelter-in-place as a first-line
defense in the event of a chemical release. We have established
a successful teaching tool, Wally Wise Guy, a turtle character,
to teach this technique to school children. We have shared
this program with LEPC groups throughout Texas, the United
States, and several foreign countries. Wally is available
for presentations, personal appearances and parades. To
schedule Wally, call the LEPC Secretary Sandra Watkins at
(281)
478-7248.
Please look for updated information on Wally and the Deer
Park LEPC on the LEPC web site at www.deerparklepc.org.
The
LEPC and the City of Deer Park have put an effective emergency
plan in place. Outside warning sirens, an emergency radio
station (AM 530), a computerized telephone calling system,
and electronic highway signs to inform motorists are tools
available to make citizens aware of emergencies.
As
Mayor Riddle indicated, we are not resting on these nationally
recognized laurels. We are actively reviewing with industry
potential emergency scenarios, looking at our homes, business,
and schools to determine how effective sheltering-in-place
is for our community. We will make changes in our emergency
plans, if necessary, to ensure the continued safety of our
community.
LEPC
meetings are open to the public and we are always looking
for interested citizens to become involved. Join us on the
fourth Tuesday of any month, except July and December, beginning
at 11:00 a.m. in City Council chambers. There you will hear
first-hand about continuing activities and programs sponsored
by the LEPC to keep our community safe.
Ron Crabtree
Chairman
Deer Park LEPC
