In September 1988, a minor chemical accident at a swimming pool supply plant near Los Angeles released a highly toxic gas over a 6 square mile area, forcing 25,000 people from their homes within a matter of hours. Emergency personnel and city and county government staff members responded to the incident. Over the next few hours, fire engines, police cars, emergency medical technicians, the mayor, the county emergency services director, and the response team arrived to assist with hazardous materials management and cleanup duties.

The rapid escalation of resources on the scene associated with such serious hazardous materials incidents raises a key issue. How do all these people know what to do in the crucial first minutes of an emergency to contain the disaster and avoid making the situation even worse?

The answer lies in a good Emergency Operations Plan. Such a plan will prevent role confusion and logistical tie-ups that can hamper an efficient response.