U.S. Chemical Safety Board Urges Chemical Facilities to Take Action Now to Prevent Catastrophic Chemical Incidents During Hurricane Season

As the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) is urging petroleum and chemical facilities to prepare now to help prevent catastrophic chemical releases during this season and ensure the safety of workers, emergency responders, and surrounding communities.

Among other actions, the CSB recommends that chemical facilities review the various  hurricane preparedness materials that the CSB has developed over the years. The CSB’s guidance builds on lessons learned from past hurricanes and other extreme weather events—including Harvey, Laura, and Ida—that resulted in severe damage to chemical facilities, leading to fires, toxic releases, serious injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. These materials emphasize the importance of thorough emergency planning, infrastructure resilience, and timely shutdown procedures.

“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 CSB’s findings from past hurricanes highlight significant vulnerabilities at facilities:

• Hurricane Harvey (August 2017) damaged Arkema’s Crosby, TX facility, leading to the decomposition and fire of organic peroxides after backup power failed and refrigeration systems flooded .
• Hurricane Laura (August 2020) severely damaged Bio-Lab’s Lake Charles facility, resulting in a TCCA chemical reaction, fire, toxic chlorine release, and a $250 million rebuild—compounded by failed generators and fire suppression systems.

Key Materials Prepared by the CSB Include:

• Extreme Weather, Extreme Consequences: CSB Investigation of the Arkema Crosby Facility and Hurricane Harvey
• FINAL REPORT: Arkema Inc. Chemical Plant Final Investigation Report
• Fire from the Storm: Chemical Release at Bio-Lab – Safety Video
• Caught in the Storm: Extreme Weather Hazards – Safety Video

The CSB also has made available the Center for Chemical Process Safety’s (CCPS) Guidance Document on Planning for Natural Hazards - Checklist for Chemical Facilities – A practical planning and readiness tool for operators to assess risks and verify preparedness steps before, during, and after a storm.

The CSB urges facilities in hurricane-prone areas to review these resources and implement recommended actions. Among the top priorities emphasized are securing hazardous materials, ensuring backup power for critical safety systems, training personnel on emergency protocols, and coordinating with local emergency management authorities.

“In nearly every case involving extreme weather that the CSB has investigated, disasters could have been prevented with better planning and preparation,” said CSB Chairperson Owens.

About the CSB

The CSB is an independent, non-regulatory federal agency whose mission is to drive chemical safety change through independent investigations to protect people and the environment. The agency’s board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical incidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems. The CSB does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. For more information, please visit www.csb.gov.