CDC Participation in the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program

CDC has limited its participation in the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) to addressing issues and answering questions from state health departments on resolving technical issues or clarifying information related to our medical readiness guidelines previously published in the Federal Register.

CDC Contributions to CSEPP

During the early days of the CSEPP program, local communities asked CDC to provide medical training in the treatment of chemical casualties. This training was conducted from 1987 to 1990.

In the 1990s, CDC recognized a need for local medical readiness guidance in responding to a chemical release in the community. In 1995, CDC proposed minimum standards for medical resources before initiating chemical disposal operations. These minimum standards were published in the Federal Register in 1995.

CDC has evaluated the medical readiness capabilities of a community at the request of the state health department. Evaluations of the Tooele, Utah, and Umatilla, Oregon, facilities were conducted. CDC is conducting evaluations of the Pueblo, Colorado, and Blue Grass, Kentucky, facilities.

More information on community and individual protection from chemical agents is available at

• Facts About Sheltering in Place
• Facts About Evacuation
• Facts About Personal Cleaning and Disposal of Contaminated Clothing
• Facts About Personal Protective Clothing

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