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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.
Chemical manufacturers are one source of hazardous materials, but there are many others,
including service stations, hospitals, and hazardous materials waste sites.
Varying quantities of hazardous materials are manufactured, used, or stored at an
estimated 4.5 million facilities in the United States--from major industrial plants
to local dry cleaning establishments or gardening supply stores.
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 Before a Hazardous Materials Incident
Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) whose responsibilities
include collecting information about hazardous materials in the community and making
this information available to the public upon request. The LEPCs also are tasked with
developing an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in the
community. Ways the public will be notified and actions the public must take in the
event of a release are part of the plan.
LEPC'S
Contact the LEPCs to find out more about chemical hazards and what needs to be done to
minimize the risk to individuals and the community from these materials. Your local
emergency management office can provide contact information on the LEPCs. Find your
state office or agency of emergency management
Find your state office
OFFICE OF HAZMAT SAFETY
You should add the following supplies to your disaster kit:
· Plastic sheeting
· Duct tape
· Scissors
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.
| IF YOU ARE |
THEN: |
| Asked to evacuate
|
Do so immediately. Stay tuned to the 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 all attic fans. Take pre-assembled
disaster supplies. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance
infants, elderly, and people with disabilities. |
Caught outside |
Stay upstream, uphill and upwind! In general try to go at least one-half mile
(8 to 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. |
In a motor vehicle |
Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building. If you must remain in your car,
keep car windows and vents closed and shut off air-conditioning and heat. |
Requested to stay indoors. |
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 any ventilation systems. In large buildings,
set ventilation systems to 100% 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, 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 towel. Avoid eating or drinking any food or water,
that may be contaminated. |
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