HAA Blog
Crisis Management: Plan ahead for hazmat situations and other adverse events
Posted by Communications Department
on Friday, October 24, 2014
Rick Hale, business development manager for CG Environmental/
Cleaning Guys, an HAA member company that performed Ebola cleanup work in Dallas, shared the following thoughts on how to approach a potentially hazardous situation. This list is not exhaustive, but it should help stimulate the planning process and encourage a proactive attitude.
1.
Do develop a general response plan now. Be proactive – don’t wait until the pressure of an impending crisis is upon you. Dealing with weather emergencies, utilities emergencies, potential biohazard emergencies, etc. can be far more manageable with a minimal amount of advance thought and preparation. Time can be of great importance when responding to potentially harmful situations. A simple plan is better than no plan.
2.
Do not expose yourself or your staff to situations or conditions that you are not trained and equipped to deal with. Do not assume that you can evaluate a potential biohazard or contagious situation based on what you think you know or what you have seen on TV or the internet.
3.
Do attempt to limit access to the affected area where a potentially hazardous situation may exist. Truly, better safe than sorry. (Read #2 again.)
4.
Do know the emergency contacts in your area. This list includes the local health department or environmental safety department, fire department (many have hazardous materials capability or know who to contact), law enforcement, utilities service providers, the CDC, etc. Have more than one emergency contact on file for various situations.
The direct responsibilities of each organization vary in different municipalities or locales. Most will have more emergency contact information than you do. Emergency first responders (fire and police) are called “first” for a reason – they are trained and equipped to manage many emergency situations. Ask your local authorities about various emergency situations and note their responses as to your best source of information and assistance.
Once again, do this now, not when the pressure of a crisis is upon you.
Resources:•
City of Houston Health and Human Services DepartmentPhone: 832-393-5169
To report diseases 24/7: 832-393-5080
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Harris County Public Health & Environmental ServicesPhone: 713-439-6000
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Fort Bend County Department of Health and Human Services (or
here)
Phone: 281-238-3233
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Montgomery County Environmental Health ServicesPhone: 936-539-7839 or 281-364-4200, x7839
East Montgomery County: 281-689-3133, x7839
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Texas Health and Human Services Commission Toll free: 1-877-541-7905