EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS POINTERS - JULY 1999

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Chemicals are a natural and important part of our environment. Even though we often don't think about it, we use chemicals every day. They help us keep our food fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants to grow and fuel our cars. Chemicals are essential to life and health.

However, chemicals can be poisonous or have a harmful effect on your health. Some chemicals which are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions. Chemical accidents do happen, at home and in the community. Learn how to prepare for and respond to a chemical emergency. It could save your life.

How to Detect Exposure to a Chemical You may be exposed to a chemical in three ways: Breathing the chemical. Swallowing contaminated food, water or medication. Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things which have touched the chemical. Detecting the Presence of a Chemical Many chemicals do not have a taste or an odor. Some chemicals can be detected because they cause physical reactions such as watery eyes or nausea. Chemicals may exist beneath the surface of the ground and can be recognized by an oil or foam-like appearance. Chemical Poisoning There are several symptoms of chemical poisoning whether by swallowing, touching or breathing: Difficulty breathing Headache or blurred vision Irritated eyes, skin, throat Clumsiness or lack of coordination Stomach cramps, diarrhea or nausea Changes in skin color Dizziness Unusual behavior If you think you have been exposed to a toxic chemical, call 911 immediately. If you see or smell something that may be dangerous, or find someone overcome with toxic vapors, your first job is to make sure that you don't become a victim. If you remain in a dangerous area and become injured or unconscious, you can not help yourself or any victims. Major Chemical Emergency Notification In the event of a major chemical emergency, i.e. truck, train, or facility accident, you may be notified by the authorities. You may be phoned or emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loud-speaker. Officials could even come to your door.

Shelter in Place One of the basic options in a chemical emergency is to shelter-in-place. This is an action aimed at keeping you and your family safe while remaining in your home. If told to shelter-in-place, bring your family and pets indoors immediately. Close all windows in your home. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Go to an above ground room (not the basement) with the fewest windows and doors. Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors. Tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents. Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers. If in danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from windows. Stay in the room and listen to the radio until you are told it is safe or you are told to evacuate. Evacuation If you are told to evacuate, listen to the 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. If you are told to evacuate immediately: Close and lock your windows Shut off all vents Lock the door Move quickly and calmly If the authorities tell you that you have time, pack the following: A change of clothing for each family member Medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, etc. Personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, etc. Items for your baby such as diapers, formula or baby food Books, puzzles, cards and games for entertainment