Readiness

Because a hazardous substance release can occur virtually anywhere and at any time, EPA and a network of federal, state, and local responders stand ready 24 hours-a-day to contain and clean-up the released chemicals. EPA, through it's Superfund Emergency Response and Oil Programs, has a leadership role in this National Response System that promotes coordinated emergency response actions and guarantees the availability of resources to cover all possible release scenarios.

One of EPA's major tasks is to coordinate contingency planning efforts with other federal, state, and local agencies to implement a network of contingency plans that ensure emergency responses are carried out quickly and with maximum effectiveness. To further ensure the readiness of its response teams, EPA provides training to emergency responders so that they have the necessary skills and use appropriate precautions when undertaking emergency response measures. EPA also provides other financial and technical support as needed to assist local communities in responding to the broad range of emergency response incidents that may occur.

Taken together, these activities and resources form the cornerstone of our country's ability to respond to hazardous substance emergencies regardless of their nature, size, or location.