Goal 4: Improve Joint Preparedness for and Response to Hazardous Environmental Emergencies
Objective 1: Update the Joint Mexico-United States Contingency Plan (JCP) and evaluate the emergency notification system along the border of Mexico and the United States.
- Objective 1a: In 2021, the JCP notification system should be reviewed and updated to assess its operability and incorporate possible protocol changes and new technological developments.
- Objective 1b: By the year 2022, a revised and updated version of the JCP will be finalized, including any changes and / or modifications of the participating parties (names, affiliations, etc.) of the governmental structure of both countries.
- Objective 1c: As part of the evaluation of the operability of the JCP notification system, each country should conduct at least 40 annual chemical emergency notification drills through the National Center of Communication (CENACOM) in Mexico, and the National Response Center (NRC) in the United States.
Objective 2: Review, update and evaluate the Sister City Joint Contingency Plans (SCJCPs).
- Objective 2a: By 2021, a study of the 15 SCJCPs should be completed utilizing existing risk analysis data. This study must consider, among other aspects, the SCJCP’s content and scope.
- Objective 2b: By the year 2022, a joint study should be carried out in the border region aimed at adjusting the number of Border Sister Cities that are members of the JCP.
- Objective 2c: Based on the results of the sister city JCP Study, the updated SCJCP’s must be promoted to the corresponding stakeholders (Regional Groups, NADB, etc.) during the Border 2025 Environmental Program. The actions carried out in this objective will be aimed at achieving the update of the 15 SCJCP’s between 2020 to 2025.
- Objective 2d: In order to evaluate the SCJCP, each country must conduct at least three annual field drills in the Sister Cities located in the Mexico - United States border region, ensuring a joint response is carried out. Prior to conducting the drills, the participating staff must be trained through the delivery of binational seminars.
Objective 3: Strengthen the training of emergency response personnel through the development of in-person or online training courses by creating a certificate of skills recognized by corresponding authorities. Additionally, develop and disseminate technical support material to help inform the public in case of emergency.
- Objective 3a: In coordination with the Regions, a Sister City Training Program should be developed during the year 2021 and implemented throughout the Border 2025 program. The Training Program should focus on course offerings that result in certifications to enhance the competency of emergency responders.
- Objective 3b: At least three annual seminars, workshops and/or coordinated courses should be conducted between the two countries on topics including chemical substances, risk and consequences analysis, and emergency management.
- Objective 3c: In order to complement the training opportunities, audiovisual material and online courses focused on prevention and response to chemical emergencies should be made available at the border.
Objective 4: Design and implement the guidelines and protocols to ensure rapid, safe, and legal passage of personnel and materials across the Mexico – United States border in emergency response situations.
- Objective 4a: By 2021, an action plan should be developed to address respective liability coverage of each country to facilitate the movement of people and materials across the border during drills or emergency events.
- Objective 4b: By 2022, each country should complete a report on the status of transboundary movement of human and material resources during emergencies, as well as the current and future actions that are being carried out.
