Special Report on Hazardous Materials

Fact Sheet: Hazardous Materials Accidents

A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere.  Communities located near chemical manufacturing plants are particularly at risk.  However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.

Before

Learn to detect the presence of a hazardous material.  Many hazardous materials do not have a taste or an odor.  Some materials can be detected because they cause physical reactions such as watering eyes or nausea.  Some hazardous materials exist beneath the surface of the ground and can be recognized by an oil or foam-like appearance.

Contact your Local Emergency Planning Committee (LPEC) or local emergency management office for information about hazardous materials and community response plans.

Find out evacuation plans for your workplace and your children's schools.

Be ready to evacuate.  Plan several evacuation routes out of the area.

Ask about industry and community warning systems.

Have disaster supplies on hand. 

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes

Develop an emergency communication plan.  In case family members are separated from one another during a hazardous materials accident (this is a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.

Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact".   After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.  Make sure everyone knows the name. address and phone number of the contact person.

During

If you hear a siren or other warning signal, turn on a radio or television for further emergency information.

If Caught at the Scene of an Accident

if you see an accident, call 9-1-1 or the local fire department to report the nature and location of the accident as soon as possible.

Move away from the accident scene and help keep others away.  Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance.  Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke.   If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.

Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.

Try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident.

If Asked to Stay Indoors ("IN-PLACE SHELTERING")

Seal house so contaminants cannot enter. 

• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet  towels and duct tape.
• Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap.
• Close fireplace dampers.
• Close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms and extra bedrooms.
• Turn off ventilation systems.

Assisting Accident Victims

Don't try to care for victims of a hazardous materials accident until the substance has been identified and the authorities indicate it is safe to go near the victims.  then you can move the victims to fresh air and call for emergency medical care.  Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and place them in a plastic bag.  Cleanse victims that have come in contact with chemicals by immediately pouring cold water over the skin or eyes for at least 15 minutes, unless authorities instruct you not to use water on the particular chemical involved.

Bring Pets inside

Immediately after the "in-place sheltering" announcement is issued, fill up bathtubs or large containers for an additional water supply and turn off the intake valve to the house.

If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.

Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated.

Monitor the Emergency Broadcast System station for further updates and remain in shelter until authorities indicate it is safe to come out.

Evacuation

Authorities will decide if evacuation is necessary based primarily on the type and amount of chemical released and how long it is expected to affect an area.  Other considerations are the length of time it should take to evacuate the area, weather conditions and the time of day.

If Asked Evacuate

Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters and procedures.  Follow the routes recommended by the authorities--shortcuts may not be safe.  Leave at once.

If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all windows, shutting all vents and turning off attic fans.

Take pre-assembled disaster supplies.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.

After

Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Follow local instructions concerning the safety of food and water.

Clean up and dispose of residue carefully.  Follow instructions from emergency officials concerning clean-up methods.