Illinois Boosting Safety Amid Growth of Hazardous Material Facilities

Illinois adds more than 100 new Tier 2 chemical facilities every year, and currently has more than 9,000 active chemical-handling sites.

According to a press release from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), these facilities range from fuel depots to manufacturing plants, and each one is monitored by the IEMA and by the Office of Homeland Security.

Stored chemicals and reports of releases or spills are all monitored by IEMA-OES.

A Statewide Safety Net

To be proactive before any potential incidents, the IEMA-OHS partners with Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPSs), emergency managers, and first responders across Illinois.

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The agency also works with the Illinois Fire Service Institute to provide hazardous materials training to organizations and businesses, ensuring that communities around Illinois are better informed and prepared about everyday chemical emergencies.

Household Safety Starts at Home

Even common household chemical products can pose risks if not handled properly, according to the press release.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommend simple precautions:

• Always follow label instructions
• Never mix chemicals
• Store them in original containers away from heat sources.
• Keep materials out of reach of children and pets
• Use safety gear like gloves and goggles when handling them.

A Community-Wide Responsibility

IEMA-OHS Interim Director Adnan Khayyat said in the press release that "we should all be familiar with the chemicals that are used near us."

Illinois is building a stronger, safer response network for chemical safety through awareness, training, and community coordination.

CLICK HERE to track chemical spills and releases in the state of Illinois.