Various Agencies Participate in Chlorine Leak Exercise

In March 2026, 15 agencies participated in an exercise simulating a chlorine leak at Logansport High School, which prompted a HAZMAT response. Firefighters tested their HAZMAT suits and used their decontamination skills to rescue simulated victims. Firefighters, law enforcement, emergency management agencies, emergency medical services, hospitals, 911 communications specialists, local emergency planning committees, elected officials, and American Red Cross personnel were all active participants in the full-scale exercise from beginning to end.

Exercises help first responders gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to save lives during real-world events. Remember to thank our first responders for their time and effort in keeping Indiana communities safe.

Updates

• Member appointment letter and instructions
• Member removal letter and instructions

About Local Emergency Planning Committees

Main Functions

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) report directly to their LEPC chairperson and the Indiana Emergency Response Commission (IERC). The two main functions of LEPCs are:

• Develop and manage the emergency response plans pertaining to accidental chemical releases from facilities.
• Distribute information to the general public.

LEPC Emergency Plans

The LEPC emergency response plan must contain the nine listed planning elements as required under federal and state law. The plan must be reviewed and updated by the LEPC annually at a minimum. The plan must also include the required annual updates and incorporate reviewer comments on prior submissions. The plan and/or plan updates must be approved by LEPC vote at a meeting with a quorum of members. The LEPC emergency plan shall be an appendix to the hazard specific annex in a county EMA's EOP.