United States Congress has directed the US Army to destroy certain kinds of chemical weapons stockpiled at eight US Army installations in the continental US over the next several years. Experts believe the chance of an accident involving these chemical munitions is remote. However, local officials and responders have to be ready for an emergency today and every day in their community until the stockpile no longer exists.
The remaining Army stockpiles and participating sites are:
- Blue Grass Chemical Activity located on Blue Grass Army Depot (Kentucky)
- Pueblo Chemical Depot (Colorado)
Through the help of FEMA and the Army, these communities are expanding emergency plans and capabilities to meet the slight but real threat of a chemical agent emergency. These communities now have plans and procedures in place to deal with a stockpile accident.
CSEPP communities have been recognized nationally for their abilities to respond to emergencies of all kinds. Since its inception, CSEPP has become a leader in providing community education and emergency preparedness resources. CSEPP has provided funding and technical assistance to:
- Improve public warning capabilities
- Build and upgrade state-of-the-art emergency operation centers
- Train emergency managers and first responders
- Hold functional exercises to improve readiness
- Increase public knowledge and understanding of protective actions
- Over-pressurize schools to ensure the safety of children
- Study emergency response options to determine the best way to protect communities
- Train doctors and nurses to treat victims of chemical agent exposure