Facts: Hazardous materials pose serious risks to life, health or property when inappropriately handled, resulting in a spill, leak or toxic vapors. They cannot always be seen, smelled or tasted.
What to do:
- Listen for instructions from local authorities. You may be asked to shelter-in-place or evacuate, depending on the situation.
- If asked to shelter-in-place, bring your family and pets inside. Close doors, windows and fire place dampers. Place damp towels at door thresholds and other openings where outside drafts can enter. Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems. Prepare to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and outdoor air.
- If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Follow any routes provided in the evacuation notice. Some routes may have signs posted along roads and highways.
- If you witness a spill, leave the area, calmly warn others to stay away and call 911 to report the incident.
- If you think you have come in contact with a chemical or biological substance, call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek appropriate medical attention.
- Stay tuned to the radio for updates on emergency information.
- If you know of someone who is unable to understand, see, or hear this message, please tell them about it.
Helpful links:
http://mil.wa.gov/emergency-management-division/hazards/hazardous-material
http://www.ready.gov/hazardous-materials-incidents
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/chemical-emergency
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