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Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials are used in our homes and businesses every day. Industry transports them on our highways, railroads and rivers. Although infrequent, accidental chemical spills or deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid could poison people and the environment. Signs that a hazardous materials incident may have occurred include:

Many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing or losing coordination.
Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals.

Hazardous Materials Incident Safety Tips:

Tune to local news stations for information or instructions.
If you need medical attention, call 9-1-1 or go to a doctor or hospital as soon as possible.
Avoid contact with any spilled liquid materials, airborne mist or condensed solid deposit.
Stay away from the incident area to minimize the risk of contamination.
If you are told to stay indoors, be prepared to Shelter-in-Place.
If you are outside, stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the incident area.
If you are in a vehicle, stop and seek shelter in a permanent building. If you must remain in your car, keep the windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner or heater.
If there is a spill indoors, try to get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area. Otherwise, it may be better to move as far away as possible and Shelter-in-Place.
If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

If a hazardous chemical gets on your clothing, take off that clothing immediately. Cut off the contaminated clothing to remove it, instead of pulling it over your head. Put the clothing in a plastic bag far away from you and anyone else in your home. Wash yourself with regular soap and water. Do not try to wash or throw away the contaminated clothes.
If you have been exposed to hazardous materials, officials may recommend that you be decontaminated. Decontamination means removing your clothing and washing your body to reduce or remove the chemical so that it is no longer a hazard. Personnel with special emergency training will set up decontamination facilities, and provide any necessary medical attention.