Bowling Green - Warren County EMA - Chemical Emergencies

Chemical Emergencies

Chemical Emergencies
(taken from disasterrelief.org)

Chemicals are a natural and important part of our environment. Even though we often don't think about it, we use chemicals every day. Chemicals help us keep our food fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants to grow and fuel our cars. And chemicals make it possible for us to live longer, healthier lives.
Under certain conditions, chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect on your health. Some chemicals that are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions.

How You May Be Exposed to a Chemical

Breathing the chemical
Swallowing contaminated food, water or medication
Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things that have touched the chemical.
Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual.

Eliminate Hazards
Chemical Accidents Can Be Prevented
Many people think of chemicals as only those substances used in manufacturing processes. But chemicals are found everywhere -- in our kitchens, medicine cabinets, basements and garages. In fact, most chemical accidents occur in our own homes. And they can be prevented.

Children and Poisoning
The most common home chemical emergencies involve small children eating medicines. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest taking hazardous materials out of sight could eliminate up to 75% of all poisoning of small children.
Keep all medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products and other household chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children. If your child should eat or drink a non-food substance, find any containers immediately and take them to the phone. In the United States call the Poison Control Center or Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or 9-1-1, if you have it in your area, or call the operator giving this information. Follow their instructions carefully. Often the first-aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. So, do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals.

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 authorities tell you to evacuate because of a possible chemical emergency, take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit and pack:
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.

Home Product Precautions

Other home accidents can result from trying to improve the way a product works by adding one substance to another, not following directions for use of a product or by improper storage or disposal of a chemical.
The first precaution you can take is to avoid mixing common household chemical products. Some combinations of these products, such as ammonia and bleach, can create toxic gases.
A second important precaution is to always read the directions before using a new product. Some products should not be used in a small confined space to avoid inhaling dangerous vapors. Other products should not be used without gloves and eye protection to help prevent the chemical from touching your body. Read and follow the directions.
Another effective way to protect yourself and your family is to store chemical products properly. Non-food products should be stored tightly closed in their original containers so you can always identify the contents of each container, and how to properly use the product.
Never smoke while using household chemicals. Don't use hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint products or pesticides near the open flame of an appliance, pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood burning stove, etc. Although you may not be able to see or smell them, vapor particles in the air could catch fire or explode.
If you should spill a chemical, clean it up immediately with some rags, being careful to protect your eyes and skin. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors in a safe place, then dispose of them by wrapping them in a newspaper and then placing them in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of these materials with your trash. If you don't already have one, buy a fire extinguisher that is labeled for A, B, and C class fires and keep it handy.
Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will use. If you have product left over, try to give it to someone who will use it. Take care to dispose of it properly. Improper disposal can result in harm to yourself or members of your family, accidentally contaminate our local water supply or harm other people.
It is also important to dispose of products properly to preserve our environment and protect wildlife. Plus, some products can be recycled and further protect our environment.
Many household chemicals can be taken to your local household hazardous waste collection facility. Many facilities accept pesticides, fertilizers, household cleaners, oil-based paints, drain and pool cleaners, antifreeze and brake fluid. If you have questions about how to dispose of a chemical, call the facility or the environmental or recycling agency to learn the proper method of disposal.

Major Chemical Emergencies
A major chemical emergency is an accident which 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 can not 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 broadcast stations (EBS), 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.

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.

Who Helps In A Chemical Emergency
There are many organizations which help the community in an emergency, such as police, fire and sheriff departments, Emergency Management, American Red Cross, and government agencies. In the United States these groups coordinate their activities through the local office of emergency management. In many areas there are local Hazardous Materials, or Haz-Mat Teams, who are trained to respond to chemical accidents. In the event of a chemical emergency it is very important that you follow the instructions of these highly trained professionals. They know best how to protect you and your family.



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Chemical Emergencies	Chemical Emergencies (taken from disasterrelief.org) Chemicals are a natural and important part of our environment. Even though we often don't think about it, we use chemicals every day. Chemicals help us keep our food fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants to grow and fuel our cars. And chemicals make it possible for us to live longer, healthier lives. Under certain conditions, chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect on your health. Some chemicals that are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions. How You May Be Exposed to a Chemical Breathing the chemical Swallowing contaminated food, water or medication Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things that have touched the chemical. *Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual.* Eliminate Hazards Chemical Accidents Can Be Prevented Many people think of chemicals as only those substances used in manufacturing processes. But chemicals are found everywhere -- in our kitchens, medicine cabinets, basements and garages. In fact, most chemical accidents occur in our own homes. And they can be prevented. Children and Poisoning The most common home chemical emergencies involve small children eating medicines. Experts in the field of chemical manufacturing suggest taking hazardous materials out of sight could eliminate up to 75% of all poisoning of small children. Keep all medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products and other household chemicals out of sight and out of reach of children. If your child should eat or drink a non-food substance, find any containers immediately and take them to the phone. In the United States call the Poison Control Center or Emergency Medical Services (EMS), or 9-1-1, if you have it in your area, or call the operator giving this information. Follow their instructions carefully. Often the first-aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. So, do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals. 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 authorities tell you to evacuate because of a possible chemical emergency, take your Family Disaster Supplies Kit and pack: 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.	Home Product Precautions Other home accidents can result from trying to improve the way a product works by adding one substance to another, not following directions for use of a product or by improper storage or disposal of a chemical. The first precaution you can take is to avoid mixing common household chemical products. Some combinations of these products, such as ammonia and bleach, can create toxic gases. A second important precaution is to always read the directions before using a new product. Some products should not be used in a small confined space to avoid inhaling dangerous vapors. Other products should not be used without gloves and eye protection to help prevent the chemical from touching your body. Read and follow the directions. Another effective way to protect yourself and your family is to store chemical products properly. Non-food products should be stored tightly closed in their original containers so you can always identify the contents of each container, and how to properly use the product. Never smoke while using household chemicals. Don't use hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint products or pesticides near the open flame of an appliance, pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood burning stove, etc. Although you may not be able to see or smell them, vapor particles in the air could catch fire or explode. If you should spill a chemical, clean it up immediately with some rags, being careful to protect your eyes and skin. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors in a safe place, then dispose of them by wrapping them in a newspaper and then placing them in a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of these materials with your trash. If you don't already have one, buy a fire extinguisher that is labeled for A, B, and C class fires and keep it handy. Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will use. If you have product left over, try to give it to someone who will use it. Take care to dispose of it properly. Improper disposal can result in harm to yourself or members of your family, accidentally contaminate our local water supply or harm other people. It is also important to dispose of products properly to preserve our environment and protect wildlife. Plus, some products can be recycled and further protect our environment. Many household chemicals can be taken to your local household hazardous waste collection facility. Many facilities accept pesticides, fertilizers, household cleaners, oil-based paints, drain and pool cleaners, antifreeze and brake fluid. If you have questions about how to dispose of a chemical, call the facility or the environmental or recycling agency to learn the proper method of disposal. Major Chemical Emergencies A major chemical emergency is an accident which 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 can not 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 broadcast stations (EBS), 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.
Chemical Emergencies	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. Who Helps In A Chemical Emergency There are many organizations which help the community in an emergency, such as police, fire and sheriff departments, Emergency Management, American Red Cross, and government agencies. In the United States these groups coordinate their activities through the local office of emergency management. In many areas there are local Hazardous Materials, or Haz-Mat Teams, who are trained to respond to chemical accidents. In the event of a chemical emergency it is very important that you follow the instructions of these highly trained professionals. They know best how to protect you and your family.