CSB Publishes Annual Reminder About Weather Hazards – 7-2-25

Yesterday the Chemical Safety Board published their annual better-late-than-never (hurricane season stared on June 1^st) warning about the hazards that many chemical facilities face from the extreme weather conditions related to hurricane season.

The Board notes that:

““Extreme weather events continue to become more frequent and severe each year,” said CSB Chairperson Steve Owens. “Facilities that produce, use, store, or otherwise handle hazardous chemicals must take steps now to prepare for hurricanes and other extreme weather. The CSB’s materials provide important practical tools and recommendations that can help facilities mitigate their risk of severe damage and protect lives.””

The reminder includes links to a variety of CSB resources about extreme weather events. The list is slightly different than the links provided in last year’s warning.

CSB Publishes 2024 Hurricane Season Warning

Yesterday, 1 month and 3 named storms into the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) published a press release urging the chemical industry to act expeditiously to prepare for a season of potentially more frequent and more powerful hurricanes and other extreme weather events.

The CSB notes that:

“On May 23, 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an 85 percent chance of an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Unfortunately, the early arrival of Hurricane Beryl may be a harbinger of worse storms to come before hurricane season ends in November 2024. The storm is barreling through the Caribbean fueled by sea water that is already as warm as it usually is in August or September leaving immense destruction in its wake. As Hurricane Beryl continues its path, southern states including Texas are keeping a watchful eye on its trajectory to see whether it poses a substantial threat in the coming days. In light of NOAA’s prediction and Hurricane Beryl’s early arrival, chemical and refining facilities in the United States must ensure that they are prepared for any potential impacts.”

In addition to reminding the industry of two recent incidents (Arkema Inc. Chemical Plant Fire and Bio Lab Lake Charles Chemical Fire and Release) investigated by the Board that were directly related to hurricanes that hit chemical facilities, the CSB provides links to four related documents and two CSB videos addressing the issues related to extreme weather and chemical safety.