All over America, large and small communities are learning about nearby hazardous materials. Trains derail. Trucks overturn. Pipelines rupture. Ships collide and run aground. Facilities handling chemicals have accidental leaks and releases. This guidance will help local communities prepare for incidents that may involve hazardous materials. Some communities already have integrated multihazard plans; other communities are only now beginning to plan. This guidance describes how to form a local planning team, find a team leader, identify and analyze hazards, identify existing response equipment and personnel, write a plan, and keep a plan up-todate.