Major Chemical Emergencies

A major chemical emergency is an accident that releases a hazardous amount of a chemical into the environment. Accidents can happen underground, on railroad tracks or highways, and at manufacturing plants. These accidents sometimes result in a fire or explosion, but many times you cannot see or smell anything unusual.

How You May Be Notified of a Major Chemical Emergency

In the event of a major chemical emergency, you will be notified by the authorities. To get your attention, a siren could sound, you may be called by telephone, or emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker. Officials could even come to your door.

Listen carefully to radio or television emergency alert stations (EAS), and strictly follow instructions. Your life could depend on it. You Will Be Told

• The type of health hazard
• The area affected
• How to protect yourself
• Evacuation routes (if necessary)
• Shelter locations
• Type and location of medical facilities
• And the phone numbers to call if you need extra help.

Do not call the telephone company, and do not call EMS, 9-1-1, or the operator for information. Dial these numbers only for a possible life-threatening emergency.

Shelter in Place

One of the basic instructions you may be given in a chemical emergency is to "shelter in place". This is a precaution aimed to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home. If you are told to shelter in place, take your children and pets indoors immediately.

While gathering your family, you can provide a minimal amount of protection to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth.

• Close all windows in your home.
• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems
• Close the fireplace damper
• Go to an above-ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and doors
• Take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit with you. visit RedCross.org home page and look for the information you need there.
• Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors
• Tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents. Use the plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets, and heat registers
• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows
• Stay in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate

Evacuation

Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection. Again, it is important to stay calm, listen carefully and follow all instructions.

If you are told to evacuate, listen to your radio to make sure the evacuation order applies to you and to understand if you are to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials. Do not use your telephone.

If you are told to evacuate immediately:

• Take your Disaster Supplies Kit and medications.Visit RedCross.org home page and look for the information you need there
• Close and lock your windows
• Shut off all vents
• Lock the door
• Move quickly and calmly

(Courtesy of the American Red Cross, www.redcross.org)