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165 Brick Store Landing Road Smyrna, DE 19977 302-659-3362 or 1-877-SAY DEMA FAX 302-659-6855 News ReleaseDOW REICHHOLD SPECIALTY LATEX LLC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Saturday, August 26, 2006 CONTACT: Rosanne Pack (302) 659-2210 (302) 222-6573 Melinda Carl PRECAUTIONARY EVACUATION ORDERED FOR 1,500-FOOT RADIUS FROM DOW REICHHOLD PLANT Cheswold, Delaware - August 26, 2006 An evacuation order has been issued by Kent County, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency response officials for an area within a 1,500-foot radius of the Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex Plant located at 144 Fork Branch Road in north Dover. Those residing in the area that includes Fork Branch, Salisbury, Denney’s and McKee roads, are to leave their residence until official notice is given that it is safe to return. A Red Cross Shelter is open in Dover High School. Those evacuating may go to the shelter or to family or friends homes until further notification. Those evacuating should take all medications that may be required and remember that pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters. Public safety officials and hazardous materials experts issued the evacuation order as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of those who are in close proximity to the plant. This action follows a chemical release of styrene that occurred at the plant at 6:30 p.m., August 25. DEMA Director Jamie Turner said officials would rather err on the side of caution and risk minor inconvenience to some residents than risk any possible injury to anyone. As soon as monitoring of the release sites indicates that residents can return safely, official notice will be issued through the media. Delaware State Police will supervise evacuation routes. Evacuees should follow all instructions of emergency personnel and should continue to monitor the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for updated information and instructions. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) recommends that people within a mile of the plant monitor the Emergency Alert System (EAS) stay informed about the situation. EAS stations include:
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