From the trains
that pass through our towns carrying a wide variety of materials to
manufacturing industries to the household cleaners we use, hazardous materials
are a part of daily life. In most cases, they don’t cause a problem, however
when something goes wrong, such as a train derailment or fire, hazardous
materials (HazMat) can be deadly.
Because of the
prevalence of hazardous materials in our daily lives, it is important to be
prepared for a HazMat emergency. One resource that is available in most communities
is a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). One of the key responsibilities
of an LEPC is to collect information about hazardous materials in the community
and make this information available to the public upon request. In addition,
LEPCs develop plans to prepare for and respond to HazMat emergencies. Contact
information for your LEPC is available through your local emergency management
office. Local emergency management contact information is available at http://bit.ly/LocalEM.
Other pre-HazMat
emergency preparedness tips include:
·
Add
plastic sheeting, duct tape and scissors to your disaster supply kit. These
items will be needed should you need to shelter inside your home (also known as
sheltering in place) during a HazMat emergency.
·
Designate
a shelter room. This room should be above ground and as few openings to the
outside as possible.
If there is a
HazMat emergency in your area, listen to local television or radio stations for
information and instructions. Depending on the type and location of the
hazardous material emergency, you may need to evacuate or shelter in place.
If you are asked
to evacuate:
·
Evacuate
immediately.
·
Stay tuned
to local radio or television stations for information on evacuation routes,
temporary shelters, and procedures.
·
Follow the
routes recommended by authorities. Shortcuts may not be safe.
·
If there
is time, close all windows and vents and turn off attic fans to minimize
contamination in the house.
·
Take
pre-assembled disaster supplies with you as you evacuate.
·
Keep
vehicle windows and vents closed and shut off air conditioner and heater off.
If you are asked
to shelter in place:
·
Bring all
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 other ventilation systems. In large buildings, set
ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is
drawn into the building. If this is not possible, then ventilation systems
should be turned off.
·
Go into
the pre-selected shelter room.
·
Seal gaps
under doorway and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting 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.
·
Use
material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those found around
pipes.
·
If there
is a chance 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.
After a HazMat
emergency
·
If
evacuated, return home only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
·
Open
windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
·
Contact
local authorities to find out how to clean up your land and property.
·
Report any
lingering vapors or other hazards to your local emergency services offices.
·
If you
have come into contact with or are exposed to hazardous materials:
o
Follow
decontamination instructions provided by local authorities. You may be advised
to take a thorough shower, or you may be advised to stay away from water and
follow another procedure.
o
Seek
medical treatment for unusual symptoms immediately.
o
Place exposed
clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers. Do not allow them to contact
other materials. Call local authorities to find out about the proper disposal
methods for these materials.
o
Advise
everyone who comes into contact with you that you may have been exposed to a
toxic substance.
