|
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. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.
Emergency Information
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 prod ucts are also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways, and pipelines.
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.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires that detailed information about hazardous substances in or near communities be available at the public's request. The law provides stiff penalties for companies that fail to comply and allows citizens to file lawsuits against companies and government agencies to force them to obey the law.
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 an Accident
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 (LEPC) 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
Nonelectric 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 an Accident
If you hear a siren or other warning signal, turn on a radio or television for further emergency information. If present at the scene of 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 (sheltering in place)
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 authorities indicate it is safe to go near victims. Then you can move 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 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 pre-assembled disaster supplies.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
After an Accident
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.
Abbreviations used on this page:
ATSDR: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
EPA: Enviornmental Protection Agency
FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
HAZMAT: Hazardous Materials
LEPC: Local Emergency Planning Committee
MSDS: Manufacturers Safety Data Sheet
NIOSH: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
NWFSC: Northwest Fisheries Science Center
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
SIRI: Safety Information Resources on the Internet |
