County officials continue to prepare for the unwanted occurrences they hope will never happen.
The next step is a meeting of the Barton County Local Emergency Planning Committee which has been set for 1:30 p.m. next Monday at the Barton County Courthouse.
Emergency Management Director Amy Miller reported the county committee is still getting off the ground and this meeting will help members learn what the committee needs to do.
“The agenda will include discussion concerning the responsibilities of an LEPC, Severe Weather Awareness Week 2012, results of the annual training and exercise planning workshop and a presentation by Kim Nettleton, environmental scientist, from the Kansas Division of Emergency Planning.”
While severe weather season has the potential of being a busy time for emergency volunteers and professionals in this area, Miller urged the committee needs to be busy all year long.
“The primary functions of the Barton County LEPC is to establish and maintain a hazardous materials plan, conduct exercises of the plan and serve as the contact for the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Program, often referred to as SARA Title III. 
“The Barton County LEPC is comprised of representatives from the following groups: elected officials, hospitals, community service/civic groups, law enforcement, health/medicine/transportation, fire fighting, environment, communications media, and facilities/industries regulated by SARA Title III.”
Anyone seeking more information about the planning session or about the county emergency committee can contact Miller, at 793-1919 or by e-mail at emermgnt@bartoncounty.org.