During the Apex fire, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers didn't know what was burning inside and why the smoke billowing from the plant was yellow. Specifically, the bill will create a real-time database of what types of chemicals are in a facility and where they are in the facility, providing first responders with the information they need to make safe, effective decisions. Furthermore, the bill will require chemical plant operators to inform residents within a 1/4 mile radius of the plant of the types of chemicals stored on site and what to do in case of an emergency.

While improving safety in and around hazardous chemical plants is critical, legislators should next turn their attention to replacing the most dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives, which are readily available for many hazardous chemicals.