Home » BLOG » Emergencies » Page 2

Ammonium Perchlorate: Safety and Handling Guidelines

Ammonium Perchlorate Safety and Handling Guidelines

Introduction I have a personal connection to Ammonium Percholorate. I remember living near the site of the PEPCON explosion in Henderson, Nevada, and feeling the jarring explosion on May 4, 1988. It was a frightening experience that emphasized the dangers associated with volatile chemicals like ammonium perchlorate (AP). The PEPCON disaster claimed the lives of … Read more

Bollinger County Tornado: Recovery, Safety, and Community Aid

Bollinger County Tornado Recovery, Safety, and Community Aid

April 6, 2023 US Department of Labor Encourages Precautionary Measures to Avoid Hazards During Tornado Cleanup in Bollinger County, Missouri Tornadoes and Severe Storms Cause Destruction Throughout Eastern Missouri on April 5 Workers and other individuals participating in recovery and cleanup operations following a tornado that struck the Village of Glenallen in Bollinger County early … Read more

Hidden Disasters: Chemical Accidents Plague the U.S. and Threaten Lives

Hidden Disasters Chemical Accidents Plague the U.S. and Threaten Lives

In February of 2023, a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, sent shockwaves across the nation as it unleashed a toxic spill of hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride, into the environment. The accident, which exposed the community of 4,700 to dangerous contaminants, was one of many chemical incidents making headlines in the United States. While … Read more

Animal Rescue (Dogs) Tips for Disaster Relief Teams

Animal Rescue (Dogs) Tips for Disaster Relief Teams

When it comes to rescuing animals during disasters, only qualified personnel with experience in animal behavior should take on the task. Be prepared by maintaining an up-to-date list of skilled animal rescuers who can serve as first responders. Inexperienced disaster responders or volunteers should consult the designated animal control officer for guidance. Key Points: Evacuation: … Read more

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Farmworkers and Employers

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Farmworkers and Employers

Farms, like any other workplace, can face unexpected emergencies and disasters. These can be natural or man-made events, and to lessen their impact, it’s essential for employers and supervisors to develop and exercise an emergency action plan. This way, workers are prepared to react to and handle emergencies and disasters before they even occur. Emergency … Read more

Emergency Responders Allowed Vinyl Chloride Spill in Ohio to Burn: Why?

2023_Ohio_train_derailment

What Happened? On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing an evacuation of residents within a one-mile radius. Nearly 70 emergency agencies from Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania mobilized in response to the incident. The derailed train consisted of three locomotives, nine empty cars, and … Read more

Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster of 2010

upper-big-branch-mine-disaster_4

The Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster of 2010 was one of the deadliest coal mining accidents in the history of the United States. The disaster occurred on April 5, 2010, in the Upper Big Branch coal mine in West Virginia, and claimed the lives of 29 miners. The tragedy remains one of the most significant … Read more

Piper Alpha Oil Platform Disaster of 1988

piper_alpha_disaster

The Piper Alpha oil platform disaster of 1988 was one of the worst offshore oil disasters in the history of the petroleum industry. The disaster occurred on July 6, 1988, in the North Sea, off the coast of Scotland, and claimed the lives of 167 workers. The tragedy remains one of the most significant events … Read more

The Benxihu Colliery Disaster of 1942

Benxihu_Colliery_Disaster_01

The Benxihu Colliery Disaster of 1942 was one of the deadliest coal mining accidents in the history of China. The disaster occurred on April 26, 1942, in the Benxihu Colliery in the Liaoning Province, and claimed the lives of 1,549 miners. The tragedy remains one of the most significant events in the history of coal … Read more

The Senghenydd Colliery Disaster of 1913

Senghenydd_Colliery_Disaster_of_1913

In the image above, crowds are waiting for news as they stand next to the site of the disaster. The Senghenydd Colliery Disaster of 1913 was one of the largest and deadliest coal mining accidents in the history of the United Kingdom. The disaster occurred on October 14, 1913, in the Senghenydd Colliery near Caerphilly, … Read more