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Hazardous
Materials
Chemicals are found everywhere. They purify drinking water,
increase crop production, and simplify household chores. But
chemicals also can be hazardous to humans or the environment if
used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during
production, storage, transportation, use, or disposal. You and
your community are at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or
released in harmful amounts into the environment where you live,
work, or play.
Hazardous materials in various forms can cause death, serious
injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage to buildings,
homes, and other property. Many products containing hazardous
chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products
are also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads,
waterways, and pipelines.
Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable
and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials.
These substances are most often released as a result of
transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in
plants.
What to do During a Hazardous Materials Incident
Listen to local radio or television stations for detailed information
and instructions. Follow the instructions carefully. You should stay
away from the area to minimize the risk of contamination. Remember that
some toxic chemicals are odorless.
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If you are: |
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Then: |
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Asked to evacuate |
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 Do so immediately.
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. |
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Caught Outside |
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Stay upstream, uphill, and upwind! In general,
try to go at least one-half mile (usually 8-10 city blocks) from
the danger area. Move away from the accident scene and help keep
others away.
Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists,
or condensed solid chemical deposits. 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. |
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In a motor vehicle |
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Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building.
If you must remain in your car, keep car windows and vents
closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater. |
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Requested to stay indoors |
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Bring pets inside.
Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close vents,
fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible.
Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. In large
buildings, set ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation
so that no outside air is drawn into the building. If this is
not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.
Go into the pre-selected shelter room. This room should be above
ground and have the fewest openings to the outside.
Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic
sheeting 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.
Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those
around pipes.
If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow
breaths through a cloth or a towel. Avoid eating or drinking any
food or water that may be contaminated. |
What to do After a Hazardous Materials Incident
The following are guidelines for the period following a hazardous
materials incident:
- Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Open windows
and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
- Act quickly if you have come in to contact with or have been
exposed to hazardous chemicals. Do the following:
- Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities.
You may be advised to take a thorough shower, or you may be
advised to stay away from water and follow another procedure.
- Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as
possible.
- Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed
containers. Do not allow them to contact other materials. Call
local authorities to find out about proper disposal.
- Advise everyone who comes in to contact with you that you
may have been exposed to a toxic substance.
- Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and
property.
- Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to your local
emergency services office.
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