Hazardous Materials Awareness Week proclaimed by Crist

Gov. Charlie Crist has proclaimed Feb. 14 through 20 Hazardous Materials Awareness Week.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with the State Emergency Response Commission for Hazardous Materials and the Local Emergency Planning Committees, join Governor Crist in commemorating the week.

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act provides an opportunity for all residents in Florida to be aware of the following:

•What facilities and chemicals may be located near you

•Evacuation routes for your home, workplace and your children's schools

•Shelter-in-place procedures

•Industry and community warning systems.

The Emergency Planning Community Right-To-Know Act requires certain facilities that have hazardous materials to report their inventories to the State Emergency Response Commission, their Local Emergency Planning Committee and local fire department. This information is available to residents upon request to the State Commission or the Local Emergency Planning Council. Hernando County is in the Withlacoochee region which can be contacted at 352-732-1315.

Emergency Management recommends that residents find out more about the potential hazards that might be encountered in the area. To get a plan, visit online at www.hernandosheriff.org/em or www.FloridaDisaster.org