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.
Many times you cannot see or smell anything unusual.
How You May Be Notified of a
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 loud speaker. Officials could even come to your door.
Listen carefully to radio or television emergency alert stations (EAS) and strictly follow instructions. Your life could depend on it.
You Will Be Told:
- 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.
- For information tune in a television or radio.
Primary stations for the Wasatch Front are:
- KSL- TV Channel 5
- KSL-Radio AM 1160
- KALL-Radio AM 700
Do not call the telephone company. Do not call EMS. Do not phone 9-1-1. Do not call an operator for information. Dial these numbers only for a possible life threatening emergency.
Shelter In Place
One of the basic instructions you may be given in a chemical emergency is to shelter-in-place.
This is a precaution aimed to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home.
If you are told to shelter-in-place take your children and pets indoors immediately.
While gathering your family you can provide a minimal amount of protection to your breathing by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth.
- 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 you are told there is danger of explosion close the window shades, blinds, or curtains. To avoid injury stay away from the windows.
- Stay in the room and listen to your radio until you are told all is safe or until you are told to evacuate.
Evacuation
Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection. 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.
Primary stations for the Wasatch Front are:
If you are told to evacuate immediately:
- Close and lock your windows.
- Shut off all vents.
- Lock the door.
- Move quickly and calmly.
- You do not 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.
- Do not 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.
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.
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