How to Evacuate During a Chemical Emergency

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How to Evacuate During a Chemical Emergency If you are told to evacuate immediately, take your Disaster Supplies Kit. Take only the bare essentials, such as medications, and leave your home quickly. Follow the route authorities recommend. Don't take shortcuts, they may be blocked or expose you to dangerous chemicals. Following the advice of local authorities is your safest choice. Stay calm, listen carefully, and follow all instructions. Authorities will decide if evacuation is necessary, based primarily on the type and amount of chemical released and how long it might affect an area. Authorities will advise you of the safest steps to take for your particular situation. If an evacuation order is issued, 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. Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk. Avoid using the telephone. Call 9-1-1 in life-threatening emergencies. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through. Take your Disaster Supplies Kit. These items may make you more comfortable while are away from home. Move quickly and calmly. Leaving the quickly will reduce your chance of exposure to hazardous materials. Staying calm will help you move safely and avoid delays or accidents caused by irrational behavior. Do not assume that a shelter will have everything you need. While shelters provide a safe place to stay, food, cots and blankets, take your own specialty items for infants and individuals on restricted diets. Only if you have time, seal your house so contaminants cannot enter: • Shut off all vents. • Close fireplace dampers. • You don't need to turn off your refrigerator or freezer, but you should turn off all other appliances and lights as you leave. • Close and lock your windows and doors. If you need a ride, ask a neighbor. If no neighbor is available to help you, listen to local radio or television stations for further instructions. Check neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer help to those with disabilities or other special needs. Elderly people and people with disabilities or large families may require assistance, and people who care for them may need assistance. Take only one vehicle to the evacuation site. Traffic may be very heavy and parking at a shelter may be limited. Close your car windows and air vents, and turn off the heater or air conditioner. Many chemicals can cause damage to breathing passages. For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take. Shortcuts may put you in the path of danger.