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What Is A Major Chemical Emergency? 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. Planning for major chemical emergencies: The best way to be prepared is by gathering information about your community's risk from major chemical emergencies. Contact your emergency management office for information on chemical plants and hazardous material transportation routes in your area. • Find out evacuation plans for your workplace and your children's schools. Different locations have different plans. Know where you or your children may be taken in the event of a major chemical emergency. • Develop an evacuation plan for home and your workplace. Everyone in your family should know where to go if they have to leave. Trying to make plans at the last minute can be upsetting and create confusion. • Learn about industry and community warning signals. Different communities may have different ways of providing warnings. Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you aware of warnings while you are indoors. • Turn on your radio or television to learn if your community will be affected. If necessary, you will be given specific instructions for your particular situation. • Strictly follow instructions of emergency officials. Your life could depend on it. • Call 9-1-1 only for a possible life threatening emergency. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through. • Learn more about your risk related to chemical emergencies by contacting your local emergency management office, poison control center, local authorities on hazardous materials, the Environmental Protection Agency, or local American Red Cross chapter. Involve children in your planning: • Involving your children in preparing for disasters is the best way to help them endure disasters. Their participation will give them valuable information about what to do in the event of a disaster. Because they will know what to do, their fears will be reduced and they will gain a sense of control. • Discuss chemical emergencies with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case family members are not together. Discussing major chemical emergencies ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond. What to do during a major chemical emergency: • You will be notified of a major chemical emergency by the authorities. If you hear a siren or other warning signal, turn on a radio or television for information. • 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 might even come to your door.