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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.
-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 Family Disaster Supplies Kit and medications
-Close and lock your windows
-Shut off all vents
-Lock the door
-Move quickly and calmly
If the authorities tell you to evacuate because of a possible chemical
emergency, take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit:
-A change of clothing for each member of the family
-Medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures, or
things like canes and walkers
-Personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.
-Items for your baby such as diapers, formula, or baby
food
-Books, puzzles or cards and games for entertainment.
-Do not assume that a shelter will have everything you
need. In most cases, the shelters will provide only emergency items
such as meals, cots, and blankets.
You don't need to turn off your refrigerator or freezer, but you should
turn off all other appliances and lights before locking your home
as you leave.
Check on neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer
help to those with disabilities or other special needs. If you need
a ride, ask a neighbor. If no neighbor is available to help you, listen
to the emergency broadcast station for further instructions.
Take only one car to the evacuation site.
Close your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air
conditioner.
Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut may put you in the path of
danger. For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take.
Emergency Procedures for School Children
In an emergency, your children may be sheltered in place or evacuated
from school. If protective actions are being taken at your children's
school, do not go to the school. School personnel are trained to handle
emergencies.
Do not call your child's school. You could tie up a phone line that
is needed for emergency communications.
For further information, listen to local emergency radio and TV stations
to learn when and where you can pick up your children.
All information obtained from FEMA |
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