Local Hazard

Definition

Local hazards occur in jurisdictions but may or may not have a significant impact on large areas of the state.

History

As an example, the 1984 Everett tire fire burned for three months involving four million tires. Toxic smoke threatened local inhabitants while runoff from firefighter water carried pollutants into the Snohomish River and the Puget Sound.

Hazard Identification and Vulnerability Assessment

Areas near hazard locations are vulnerable to the effects of explosions, crashes, fire, and toxic pollution. Local hazards may include:

  • Grain elevators - dust exploding in confined areas
  • Munitions and explosives manufacturing and storage locations
  • Tire piles - burning causing air pollution with toxic smoke
  • Firefighting runoff contaminating water and soil
  • Fireworks manufacturing and sales locations
  • Transportation vehicles such as airplanes, trains, trucks, ferries, and automobiles
  • Oil refineries, chemical, and pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage locations

Conclusion

Many hazards exist locally, which are unique to the local jurisdictions. Local emergency managers should be familiar with these hazards, identify them in their hazard identification and assessment, mitigate the impact, and prepare to respond and recover from incidents.

Resources

  • Local Jurisdictions' Hazard Identification and Vulnerability