Hazardous materials are chemicals that are harmful to humans and to the environment. Accidents with hazardous materials may cause us to take action to protect ourselves.
People may be exposed to a hazardous material when there is a fire or an accidental spill. A powder may be blown by the wind or carried through the community on vehicle tires. Smoke and heat from a fire can carry hazardous materials. A pill on the ground can evaporate and enter the air. A chemical, such as ammonia or chlorine, may also be released as a gas and mix with the air.
An important thing to remember is that you do not want to get any of the hazardous material on you. If it is in the air or on your skin it may be able to enter your body and cause you harm. Take action to protect yourself. do not visit the accident site. If citizens are required to take action, you will be given instructions about to do via Emergency Response Vehicles using sirens and loud-halers or by personal contact. Follow these instructions. Listen to radio 920 AM or 96.5 FM for updated information.
Review the shelter-in-place and evacuation information in the guide.
What to do during a hazardous material release:
– Do not go to see what is happening.
– Follow instructions provided by emergency response personnel.
– Be prepared to shelter-in-place or evacuate.
Things to do if you see, hear or smell a hazardous material release:
– Phone 911.
– Stay away from the area and all routes of access.
– If you are in a vehicle, leave the area and avoid visible clouds.
– Shelter-in-place until told to evacuate. See “Shelter-in-place” and “Evacuation”.
What to do if you see or know of a chemical spill and you are in your car:
– If you know it is flammable – leave the area now!
– When safe: phone 911 and report what you know.
– If possible, leave the area and avoid visible clouds.
– Let emergency responders get there quickly: Stay away from the area and all roads in or out.
– If you can not drive away, leave your car and go to a building and shelter-in-place.
– If you can not leave your car, shelter-in-place in your car.