Anniston, Alabama - "The Heart of CSEPP"

In association with the U.S. Army, Federal Emergency Management Agency/Department of Homeland Security (FEMA/DHS), and the Alabama Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP), Argonne Risk Communication has produced a new educational and outreach video highlighting best practices and program successes at the Anniston, Alabama, chemical stockpile site.

“The Heart of CSEPP” tells the story of a community facing the challenge of safely storing and destroying part of the nation's chemical weapons stockpile. Anniston is just one of seven locations nationwide where chemical weapons are stockpiled.

CSEPP is a unique partnership between the U.S. Army and FEMA/DHS designed to enhance the abilities of communities, in coordination with states and local military installations, to respond in the unlikely event of a chemical weapons emergency.

In Anniston, people from all levels of government—emergency management agencies, schools, hospitals, fire departments, law enforcement, even volunteer groups—have joined together to make sure the local community is safe should the unthinkable happen.

Meeting this challenge demands creative problem-solving and teamwork. CSEPP officials say the program has not only better prepared the Anniston area for a chemical emergency, but for all hazards.