The Environmental Public Health Division has been providing emergency response services to the citizens of Harris County for more than ten years. However, the Emergency Response Services Section was officially formed in November, 2006. The ER Section responds to hazardous materials incidents, foodborne illness reports, as well as emissions events that occur in Harris County.  The ER Section maintains a 24-hour/day on-call coverage.  Responses include industrial facility explosions and releases, chemical spills, foodborne illnesses, abandoned containers of unknown material, as well as requests for assistance from fire departments, hazmat teams, and governmental agencies. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1)     Who do I call if there is a hazardous materials incident or accident? Call 911 or the emergency number for your local fire department.  Be prepared to give them your name, location of the incident, the nature of the incident, and a call back phone number.  They may also ask additional questions such as: Is anyone hurt? Is there a fire involved?  If something is leaking, what does the material look like?  If there is a container or tank involved, are there any numbers or pictures on the container?

2)     How do I know if hazardous materials are involved? Look for markings on containers that may look like a picture or may contain numbers.  Make note of any odors you may smell or if the material leaking is bubbling, smoking, or if it is a liquid, solid, or a gas.  If you do not know if it is hazardous or not, assume it is hazardous and stay a safe distance from the scene.

3)     Where can I find hazardous materials? Hazardous materials can be found just about anywhere.  You can find hazardous materials in industry, being transported on roadways, in supermarkets and hardware stores, and even in homes, placed in the garage, and under the kitchen sink.

Useful Links:

• http://www.hcphes.org/ophp/
• http://www.hcoem.org/
• http://www.hcfmo.net/default.aspx
• http://www.ehcma.org/