Here’s what DHS says: What will happen when the next big earthquake hits northern California? Researchers say that if a tremor similar in magnitude to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake were to hit today, it could kill 800 people, cause more than $100 billion in economic losses from the shaking and subsequent fires, and trap roughly 20,000 people in elevators across northern California. READ MORE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Seeking treatment for chlorine attacks: As experts sort through questions around recent chemical attacks in Syria, future answers to quickly testing and treating those who may have been exposed to chlorine gas may lie in chlorinated lipids, says a scientist. After chemical weapons attacks, doctors must quickly try to determine which chemical agent was used so that appropriate countermeasures can be employed to try to save lives and limit damage to those exposed.
EMPLOYEE SAFETY
Poultry plant still closed after fire, ammonia leak: A Tyson Foods poultry facility in Dawson, Ga., remains closed one week after an April 18 fire and ammonia leak prompted evacuations of the plant and about 40 nearby homes. The fire and a related leak did not cause any injuries to employees, firefighters or local residents, and Tyson continues to investigate the cause of the incident. The plant’s full-time employees will be paid for three weeks of work as damage assessment continues. READ MORE
In Wisconsin, another ammonia leak: Abbyland Foods and the surrounding neighborhood in Abbotsford, Wisc., are safe following an ammonia leak Monday. Eighteen people were sent to the hospital. Five Abbyland employees and one firefighter were among the victims. All have been released from the hospital. The leak was caused by a pipe that ruptured on top of the building. Fire officials said the wind helped the gas, which is lighter than air, to spread quickly. READ MORE