Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials are chemical substances which, if released or misused, can pose a threat to the environment or health. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.
A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. Communities located near chemical manufactoring plants are at risk. However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.
Before an incident:
- Learn to detect the presence of a hazardous material. Many hazardous materials do not have a taste or an odor. Some materials can be detected because they cause physical reactions such as watering eyes or nausea. Some hazardous materials exist beneath the surface of the ground and can be recognized by an oily or foam-like appearance.
- Find out evacuation plans for your workplace and your children's schools.
- Ask about industry and cummunity warning systems.
During an incident:
- If caught at the scene of an accident, call 9-1-1 or the local fire department to report the nature of the accident as soon as possible. Move away from the accident scene and help keep others away.
- Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance.
- Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified. Try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident.
If asked to stay indoors:
- Seal house so contaminants cannot enter. Close and lock windows and doors.
- Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels 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.
- Close fireplace damper.
- Close off unnecessary rooms such as storage and laundry rooms and extra bedrooms.
- Turn off ventilation systems. If gas or vapors could enter the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or wet towel.
After an incident:
- Return only when authorities say it is safe.
- Follow local instructions about the safety of food and water.
- Clean up and dispose of residue carefully. Follow instructions from officials concerning clean-up methods.
Page created and maintained by Vickie Hickman and Tift County CERT volunteers.
Last change: July 4, 2009
Copyright 2009, Vickie Hickman