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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.
• You will be told the following:
The type of health hazard.
The area affected.
How to protect yourself.
Evacuation routes (if necessary).
Shelter locations.
Type and location on of medical facilities.
The phone numbers to call if you need extra help.
• Ask children to help you keep disaster kits in working order by changing the food and water
every six months and replacing batteries as necessary. Children might make calendars with the
appropriate dates marked on them. Ask children to think of items that they would like to include
in their own Disaster Supplies Kit, such as books or games or appropriate nonperishable food
items.
What to do after a major chemical emergency:
• Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Local officials on the scene are the best source
of information for your location.
• Follow local instructions concerning the safety of food and water. Contaminated food or water
can cause illness.
• Clean up and dispose of debris carefully. Follow instructions from emergency officials
concerning cleanup methods. Local officials will best know best procedures for your location.