Chemical Safety Board urges hurricane preparedness at chemical facilities
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is urging chemical facilities across the country to strengthen hurricane preparedness efforts as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins.
The agency warned that even though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast a below-normal hurricane season, severe storms still pose significant risks to facilities that store or process hazardous chemicals. The season runs from June 1 through November 30.
According to the Chemical Safety Board, inadequate preparation for hurricanes and other extreme weather events can lead to major chemical releases, fires, and community impacts. Agency officials emphasized that a single severe storm affecting an unprepared facility could result in a catastrophic incident.
The board also cited the 2020 Bio-Lab incident in Westlake, Louisiana, where Hurricane Laura damaged buildings containing more than one million pounds of trichloroisocyanuric acid. Rainwater entered the damaged structures and reacted with the chemical inventory, contributing to a fire and the release of hazardous gases, including chlorine. The incident led to a shelter-in-place order, the closure of a portion of Interstate 10 for more than 28 hours, and a subsequent $250 million facility rebuilding effort.
To help facilities prepare, the Chemical Safety Board is encouraging operators to review investigation reports and safety resources related to hurricane preparedness and extreme weather hazards. The agency also highlighted guidance published by the Center for Chemical Process Safety that addresses natural hazard assessment and emergency planning.
The board identified four priorities for reducing the risk and impact of hurricane-related chemical incidents:
- Securing hazardous materials
- Ensuring backup power for critical safety systems
- Training personnel on emergency procedures
- Coordinating with local emergency management authorities
Chemical Safety Board officials said proactive planning remains one of the most effective ways to protect workers, emergency responders, nearby communities, and facility operations from the consequences of severe weather.