Publisher Summary As the threats of chemical terrorism persists and as hazardous industrial chemicals continue to be produced, stored, and transported across our highways, railways, and waterways, the need for enhancing our chemical emergency preparedness remains crucial. The differences between preparing for intentional and accidental chemical releases are few for those with public health and healthcare responsibilities. Unique public health challenges that result from chemical incidents span across every facet of the emergency management process. Exposures are mitigated by continual industrial process safety and enhanced security. There are also important mitigation steps that must begin in each home through reducing the hazardous chemicals present in the home, organizing a home preparedness kit, making a plan, and following the instructions of officials. Consistent, uniform labeling and nomenclature continues to develop and emergency exposure standards continue to be refined through lessons learned exercises and responses. The focus of these activities must cover the full lifecycle of chemical products, from industry to homes. The response to a major chemical release may include rapid diagnosis and treatment, mass care, mass fatality management, and long-term plans to monitor exposed survivors. Much progress has been made in these areas in recent years and much more is needed. Sustained improvements require a public–private partnership. There is little that public agencies can do to enhance their response and recovery without the cooperation of industry and citizens before, during, and after a disaster.