

If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel.Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those around pipes.Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap.
Those who remain hazmat windows#
Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting and duct tape.This room should be above ground and have the fewest openings to the outside. Go into the pre-selected shelter room.If this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off. In large buildings, set ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the building. Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems.Close vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible. Close and lock all exterior doors and windows.If you must remain in your car, keep car windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater. Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building.Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area. Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke. Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits.Stay upstream, uphill and upwind! In general, try to go at least one-half mile (usually 8-10 city blocks) from the danger area.If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all windows, shutting all vents, and turning off attic fans.Follow the routes recommended by the authorities.Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures.For more information on Ohio's emergency management agencies, visit During a Hazardous Materials Incident Your local emergency management office can provide contact information on the LEPCs. Ways the public will be notified and actions the public must take in the event of a release are part of the plan. The LEPCs also are tasked with developing an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in the community. Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) whose responsibilities include collecting information about hazardous materials in the community and making this information available to the public upon request.

These substances are most often released as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials.

Varying quantities of hazardous materials are manufactured, used or stored at an estimated 4.5 million facilities in the United States-from major industrial plants to local dry cleaning establishments or gardening supply stores.
