317-232-2222
hazmat@dhs.in.gov
Indiana takes advantage of Cobalt Magnet 25 international exercise
This spring, more than 3,000 participants from across the United States and Canada played out what the response would look like for a major nuclear power plant emergency near Detroit, Michigan, during the Cobalt Magnet 25 full-scale exercise. Such an incident could have far-reaching effects, including in Indiana, so the IDHS Radiation staff led efforts to bring state and local agencies together to take advantage of the opportunity to practice their nuclear power plant response plans.
About IDHS Hazmat and Radiation Programs
The IDHS Hazmat Section and Radiation Programs work to protect Hoosiers from hazardous materials and radiological threats.
The Hazmat Section supports the Indiana Emergency Response Commission, which oversees Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) in each Indiana county and reviews their emergency response plans. The section also handles permitting for regulated explosives and fire safety cigarette manufacturers, and it has staff available to help respond to hazmat situations statewide.
The Radiation Programs ensure the health and safety of Hoosiers and the environment from radioactive materials. The IDHS radiation programs also have the responsibility to regulate the use of radioactive materials in the state and register all facilities that have radioactive materials. If radioactive materials are found in the public in the state, IDHS conducts investigations to locate, identify, secure and ensure proper disposal of the materials in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and others.
Sections and Services
- Hazmat Section
SARA Title III Reporting and LEPCs
The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) became law in 1986, and Title III requires various levels of government and industry to report and perform outreach on emergency planning and hazardous and toxic chemicals. The Indiana Emergency Response Commission (IERC) oversees this work, which is handled in each county by Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs). The IDHS Hazmat Section supports the IERC administratively.
SARA Title III reporting LEPCs Hazconnect (formerly Tier II Manager)
UAV Program
IDHS uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, to help with emergency responses, security and search and rescue efforts. The Hazmat Section also offers demonstrations and training opportunities for public safety personnel to learn about drones and to practice flying them.
Fire Safe Cigarettes Program
In order to reduce the number of fires and fire-related deaths and injuries due to cigarettes, fire safe cigarettes have two bands on the cigarette paper that are less porous than the surrounding paper. IDHS handles certifications for cigarette manufacturers to ensure this.
Regulated Explosives
IDHS handles licensing for regulated explosives use. Blasters and operators must seek licenses or renewal through the Hazmat Section forms available online. Permits for explosives magazines are handled by the Code Enforcement Section.
- Radiation Programs
Radioactive Transportation Program
IDHS plans, prepares and coordinates emergency services and state agencies in transportation incidents involving radioactive materials. IDHS also handles permits for shipments of radioactive waste and hazardous materials through the state.
Radioactive Materials Registration Program
Organizations or people who receive, possess, use, transfer, own or acquire radioactive material must register with IDHS.
Radiological materials registration
Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program
The Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program coordinates efforts to protect and respond to incidents involving commercial nuclear power plants. It provides plans, training and guidance related to nuclear energy incidents.
Radiological/Nuclear Detection Program
The Radiological/Nuclear Detection Program (RND) is a statewide effort to detect radioactive and nuclear materials before they are employed as weapons. Established in partnership with the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), Indiana's RND Program oversees the import, possession and storage of illicit radioactive nuclear material within the state. In addition, the program offers training to first responders across the state to establish detection and response efforts for radioactive materials.
Indiana's RND operations can provide a deterrent to adversaries by increasing their risk of failure. The program also can rapidly detect and identify radiological releases and hazardous use of legitimate sources to bring them into safe regulatory compliance. IDHS involves state and local agencies, including Indiana facilities that are licensed to have radioactive materials, in coordinating efforts to mitigate attempts to use nuclear or other radioactive materials in harmful ways.
- Public Preparedness
Radiation Awareness and Preparedness
Radiation is used in many areas of life: medicine, research, nuclear power production and more. Learn about the basics as well as its use in nuclear power plants in and around Indiana. Also learn how to get prepared for radiation emergencies.
Radiation awareness Radiation preparedness
Hazmat Preparedness
Know what to do before, during and after a release of toxic substances in your area.
- Training
Hazmat and Radiation Training
IDHS offers training for first responders to develop skills for responses to hazmat and radiological incidents.
IDHS Hazmat Specialists
(select for contacts)
Emergency Assistance
IDHS has a team of emergency response personnel (hazmat specialists) who serve as on-site technical advisors at large fires and hazardous materials incidents. They respond to a wide range of emergencies, carrying a variety of technical instruments and equipment, and work alongside local and state agencies during incidents. Local, state or federal emergency response agencies that need emergency assistance from IDHS may call the State of Indiana Emergency Operations Center at 1-800-669-7362 (press 1).