Be prepared for Hazardous Materials emergencies

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.