The improper leak, spillage, discharge, or disposal of hazardous materials or substances (such as explosives, toxic chemicals, and radioactive materials) poses a significant threat to human health and safety, campus property, and the surrounding environment. IHEs should use these resources to evaluate and improve their preparedness for all types of HAZMAT-related incidents, including both accidental spills and intentional acts of criminality or terrorism.
The resources in this section provide useful information related to a Hazardous Materials Release. The resources are organized according to the relevant Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mission Area:
- Prevention: This mission area focuses on the ability to avoid, prevent, or stop an imminent threat.
- Protection: This mission area focuses on the ability to secure and protect a community against a variety of threats and hazards.
- Mitigation: This mission area focuses on the ability to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of a disaster.
Toxic Control Act
This resource provides an overview of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 that provides the EPA with authority to require reporting, recordkeeping, and testing of chemical substances and mixtures.
Bio-Defense Network Frequently Asked Questions
This resource answers frequently asked questions concerning the benefits of a "Closed Point of Dispensing Program" for protecting organizations from biological attacks.
This resource from Cornell University's Research and Radiation Safety section provides programs and services to support the research enterprise.
Material Safety Data Sheets
This website provides Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly MSDSs, for each hazardous chemical to downstream users to communicate information on these hazards.
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
This website provides resources and guidance relative to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 which was created to help communities plan for chemical emergencies.
Introduction to Hazardous Materials
This online course provides a general introduction to hazardous materials, discusses preparedness plans, and identifies safety measures.
Community Right-to-Know Brief
This resource provides information on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act., which established requirements for federal, state, and local governments, Indian tribes, and industry regarding emergency planning and reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals.
This mission area focuses on the ability to save lives, protect property and the environment, as well as meet the basic needs of a community during a disaster.
This document sets forth procedures to be followed in the event of a campus emergency involving gas leaks, fires, and explosions.
Water Contamination Consequence Management Resources
This resource provides resources on water quality surveillance and consequence management following a water contamination incident.
Emergency Response and Recognizing Hazardous Substance Releases
This Environmental Protection Agency webpage provides key information for recognizing and reporting HAZMAT releases.
CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives): Health Information Resources
This class provides an overview of the concepts of CBRNE, and the types of health-related information that support planning, response, and recovery in CBRNE incidents.
Emergency Response Plan for Hazardous Materials
This website provides an overview of the University of Chicago's response plan for an unexpected hazardous materials release.
This mission area focuses on the ability to assist communities in recovering effectively following a disaster.
Please see the "All" category for resources that encompass the Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Mission Areas.
Resources that fall into the "All" category contain useful information and guidance that is relevant to all FEMA Mission Areas.
Hazardous Materials Incidents
This webpage explains what actions to take before, during, and after a HAZMAT incident.
Hazardous Materials
This Centers for Disease Control webpage provides key information on preventing and preparing for HAZMAT releases.
Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management
This website provides tools and resources for emergency medical personnel and other healthcare providers to plan for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of mass-casualty chemical incidents.
Toxicology Data Network
This website provides research tools and key information on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases.
Chemical Emergencies
This webpage describes what actions to take before, during, and after a chemical emergency.
Training for Chemical Emergencies
This webpage provides a list of training resources and preparation tools for chemical emergencies.
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