Winchester/Clark Co. CSEPP/EOC

Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP)

This program was created in 1985 when the US Congress passed a law directing the Army to dispose of its aging chemical weapons inventory with maximum protection of the public and environment as its primary consideration. CSEPP is a partnership between FEMA and the U. S. Department of the Army that provides emergency preparedness assistance and resources to communities surrounding the Army's chemical warfare agent stockpiles.

CSEPP's mission is to "enhance existing local, installation, tribal, state and federal capabilities to protect the health and safety of the public, work force and environment from the effects of a chemical accident or incident involving the U.S. Army chemical stockpile."

Since its inception, CSEPP has worked to educate and enhance emergency preparedness in communities surrounding the chemical stockpile stored at the Bluegrass Army Depot. Until the chemical stockpile is safely destroyed, CSEPP will continue to support efforts to ensure a community's preparedness and safety in the unlikely event of a chemical agent accident.

Kentucky CSEPP has two IRZs, six PAZs, and two host counties which are affected by the chemical stockpile. Madison County, where the Bluegrass Army Depot is located, and Estill County are considered to be in the Immediate Response Zone (IRZ). Clark, Fayette, Powell, Estill, Jackson, Rockcastle and Garrard Counties make up the Protective Action Zone (PAZ). Jessamine and Laurel Counties are considered Host counties, in which citizens of the IRZ or PAZ may be deployed.

CSEPP protects people who live and work near installations with chemical stockpiles in the unlikely event of a chemical accident or incident. The Army is fulfilling its mission to eliminate aging chemical munitions and warfare materials in accordance with international treaties and national policy.

To date, chemical stockpiles have been destroyed at 6 Army facilities and the two remaining stockpiles are secured at the Bluegrass Army Depot in Madison County, Kentucky and Pueblo, Colorado.

Emergency Preparedness

Plan for yourself and your surroundings:

A. Customized emergency kits with items specific to your needs; a patch kit or seal-in-air product to repair flat tires, pair of heavy gloves for wheeling over glass or debris, spare deep-cycle battery, light weight manual wheelchair.

B. Keep specialized items such as catheters, medication, and prescriptions close at hand. Store emergency supplies in pack or backpack that can be attached to a walker, a wheelchair or scooter.

C. Arrange and secure furniture so it does not obstruct a quick exit.

D. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate your equipment.

E. Alert others of essential medications and health concerns, such as areas of your body with reduced sensation.

F. There will be instances where wheelchair users will have to leave their chairs behind in order to safely evacuate a structure. Request that an evacuation chair can be stored near a stairwell on your floor.

G. Create an evacuation plan with building managers and practice using the chair with coworkers or neighbors.

H. Discuss with others lifting and carrying techniques that work for you. Clearly communicate any personal areas of vulnerability. The traditional "fire fighters carry" may be hazardous for some people with respiratory weakness.

I. Check with your vendor if your deep-cycle battery can be recharged using jumper cables or plugged into a vehicle's cigarette lighter using a specific converter cable.