WHAT ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?

Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials.

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.

Are you near a Vulnerable Zone? Check the link below to find out!

Vulnerable Zone Indicator System

http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/frmVZIS?OpenForm

Things to know BEFORE a Hazmat Incident

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 our Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) or our 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 your disaster supply kit on hand.
 

Things to Know DURING a Hazmat Incident

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 ("SHELTER-IN-PLACE")
 
Bring pets inside.
 
Immediately after the "shelter-in-place" 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 a 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 to 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 your disaster kit.
 
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
 

AFTER a hazmat incident

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.