Chemical Emergencies
(PDF File)
Chemicals Are an Important
Part of Life
Chemicals are a natural and important part of our
environment. Even though we often don't think about it,
we use chemicals every day. Chemicals help keep our food
fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants grow
and fuel our cars. And chemicals make it possible for us
to live longer, healthier lives.
Under certain conditions, 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, and the American Red Cross wants you to be
prepared.
How You May Be Exposed 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 that have touched the
chemical.
Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though
you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual.
Chemical Accidents Can Be
Prevented
Many people think of chemicals as only those substances
used in manufacturing processes. But chemicals are found
everywhere--in our kitchens, medicine cabinets,
basements, and garages. In fact, most chemical accidents
occur in our own homes. And they can be prevented.
Children and Poisoning
The most common home chemical emergencies involve small
children eating medicines. Experts in the field of
chemical manufacturing suggest taking hazardous
materials out of sight could eliminate up to 75 percent
of all poisoning of small children.
Keep all medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products, and
other household chemicals out of sight and out of reach
of children. If your child should eat or drink a
non-food substance, find any containers immediately and
take them to the phone. Call the
Poison
Control Center or Emergency Medical Services (EMS),
or 9-1-1, if you have it in your area, or call the
operator giving this information. Follow their
instructions carefully. Often the first aid advice found
on containers may not be appropriate. So, do not give
anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical
professionals.
Home Product Precautions
Other home accidents can result from trying to improve
the way a product works by adding one substance to
another, not following directions for use of a product,
or by improper storage or disposal of a chemical.
The first precaution you can take is to avoid mixing
common household chemical products. Some combinations of
these products, such as ammonia and bleach, can create
toxic gases.
A second important precaution is to always read the
directions before using a new product. Some products
should not be used in a small confined space to avoid
inhaling dangerous vapors. Other products should not be
used without gloves and eye protection to help prevent
the chemical from touching your body. Read and follow
the directions.
Another effective way to protect yourself and your
family is to store chemical products properly. Non-food
products should be stored tightly closed in their
original containers so you can always identify the
contents of each container and how to properly use the
product.
Never smoke while using household chemicals. Don't
use hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint products, or
pesticides near the open flame of an appliance, pilot
light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood burning stove,
etc. Although you may not be able to see or smell them,
vapor particles in the air could catch fire or explode.
If you should spill a chemical, clean it up
immediately with some rags, being careful to protect
your eyes and skin. Allow the fumes in the rags to
evaporate outdoors in a safe place, then dispose of them
by wrapping them in a newspaper and then placing them in
a sealed plastic bag. Dispose of these materials with
your trash. If you don't already have one, buy a fire
extinguisher that is labeled for A, B, and C class fires
and keep it handy.
Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will
use. If you have product left over, try to give it to
someone who will use it. Take care to dispose of it
properly. Improper disposal can result in harm to
yourself or members of your family, accidentally
contaminate our local water supply, or harm other
people.
It is also important to dispose of products properly
to preserve our environment and protect wildlife. Plus,
some products can be recycled and further protect our
environment.
Many household chemicals can be taken to your local
household hazardous waste collection facility. Many
facilities accept pesticides, fertilizers, household
cleaners, oil-based paints, drain and pool cleaners,
antifreeze, and brake fluid. If you have questions about
how to dispose of a chemical, call the facility or the
environmental or recycling agency to learn the proper
method of disposal.
Family Disaster Plan
Making a
Family Disaster Plan will help each family member to
stay calm in an emergency. But most important, planning
ahead can save the lives of the people you love. The
plan should include what task each family member is
responsible for during an emergency, where supplies are
kept, how family members will let one another know where
they are going if they are evacuated, and where everyone
will meet when the disaster is over. A brochure
describing how to make a Family Disaster Plan is
available from your local Red Cross chapter.
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
A Family Disaster Plan should include a
Family Disaster Supplies Kit.
Let each member of the family help put it together.
The kit should include:
- A first aid kit
- A battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra
batteries
- Bath size towels
- Plastic garbage bags
- Wide tape
- A county map
- Bottled water (at least 3 gallons of water per
person)
- Non-perishable snack food
- List of family medications, eyeglasses, hearing
aids
Ask one person to be responsible for replacing water
every three months and food every six months. Batteries
should also be replaced on a regular basis.
Tape the call letters and frequency numbers of your
emergency alert radio stations (EAS) on the radio and
make sure everyone knows how to work the radio and put
in fresh batteries. Also tape the channel number of the
television emergency broadcast stations on your TV.
Every member of the family should know where the
Family Disaster Supplies Kit is located--it should be
stored within easy reach.
If you are a parent, don't assume that you will
always be with your children in an emergency. Make sure
they know how to protect themselves if you are not
available to help.
At the beginning of the school year, take time to
study the school or day care center emergency protective
action plan, and discuss it with your children and their
babysitters.
Major Chemical Emergencies
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.
How You May Be Notified of a
Major 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 loudspeaker. 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 type of health hazard
- 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.
Do not call the telephone company, and do not call
EMS, 9-1-1, or the 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.
Take your
Family Disaster Supplies Kit with you.
Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the
doors.
Tape around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents.
Use the 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 you are told to evacuate.
Evacuation
Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your
protection. Again, it is important to 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.
If you are told to evacuate immediately:
If the authorities tell you to evacuate because of a
possible chemical emergency, take your
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
A change of clothing for each member of the family
Medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures, or
things like canes and walkers
Personal items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.
Items for your baby such as diapers, formula, or baby
food
Books, puzzles or cards and games for entertainment.
Do not assume that a shelter will have everything you
need. In most cases, the shelters will provide only
emergency items such as meals, cots, and blankets.
You don't 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.
Don't 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.
Chemical Poisoning
There are several symptoms of chemical poisoning whether
by swallowing, touching, or breathing:
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in skin color
- Headache or blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Irritated eyes, skin, throat
- Unusual behavior
- Clumsiness or lack of coordination
- Stomach cramps or diarrhea
If you think you have been exposed to a toxic
chemical, call the poison control center, EMS, or 9-1-1,
or the operator, whichever applies to your area.
If you see or smell something that you think may be
dangerous, or find someone who has been 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 cannot help
yourself or any victims.
Because chemical poisoning can be a life-threatening
emergency:
- Send someone to call EMS, immediately.
- Tell the operator the location of the emergency
and the phone number from where you are calling.
- Describe what has happened, how many people are
involved, and what is being done to help.
- Stay on the phone until the operator tells you
to hang up.
If you are trained in CPR or first aid, and feel
confident that you are not in danger, check the person
for life-threatening injuries. Administer appropriate
treatment, and then deal with the chemical injuries.
If you have not recently taken a course in CPR or
first aid, contact your local Red Cross for course
information and schedules.
First Aid Treatment for
Chemical Burns
A chemical burn can be minor or life threatening, but
proper treatment can reduce the chance of infection and
the damage caused by contact with the chemical.
Remove any affected clothing or jewelry from the
injury. Use lots of cool running water to flush the
chemical from the skin until emergency help arrives. The
running water will dilute the chemical fast enough to
prevent the injury from getting worse.
Use the same treatment for eye burns and remove any
contact lenses. Be careful to flush the eye from the
nose outward.
If no large amount of clean water is available,
gently brush the chemical off the skin and away from the
victim and you.
If the chemical is on the face, neck, or shoulders,
ask the victim to close his or her eyes before brushing
off the chemical.
Cover the wound very loosely with a dry, sterile or
clean cloth so that the cloth will not stick to the
wound. Do not put any medication on the wound. Seek
medical attention immediately.
If you believe you have been contaminated with a
chemical, call the
Poison
Control Center, EMS, 9-1-1, or the operator
immediately. If medical help is not immediately
available, remove your clothing starting from the top
and working your way down to your socks. Take care not
to touch your contaminated clothing to your bare skin.
Place your clothing in a plastic bag so it cannot
contaminate other people or things. Take a thorough
shower to wash any chemical away. Re-dress in clean
clothing and go for medical help at your first
opportunity
Who Helps in a Chemical
Emergency
There are many organizations that help the community in
an emergency, such as police, fire, and sheriff
departments, the American Red Cross, and government
agencies. All these groups coordinate their activities
through the local office of emergency management. In
many areas there are local Hazardous Materials, or
Haz-Mat Teams, who are trained to respond to chemical
accidents. In the event of a chemical emergency, it is
very important that you follow the instructions of these
highly trained professionals. They know best how to
protect you and your family
Important Points To Remember
- Chemicals are everywhere. They are an important
part of life.
- The most common chemical accidents occur in our
own homes and can be prevented.
- The best ways to avoid chemical accidents are to
read and follow the directions for use, storage, and
disposal of the product.
- Don't mix products, especially household
cleaning products.
- Develop a
Family Disaster Plan and pack a
Family Disaster Supplies Kit.
- In the event of an emergency, follow the
instructions of the authorities carefully. Listen to
your emergency broadcast stations on radio and TV.
- Use your phone only in life-threatening
emergencies, and then call the Poison Control
Center, EMS, 9-1-1, or the operator immediately.
- If you are told to "shelter in place", go
inside, close all windows and vents and turn off all
fans, heating or cooling systems. Take family
members and pets to a safe room, seal windows and
doors, and listen to emergency broadcast stations
for instructions.
- If you are told to evacuate immediately, take
your
Family Disaster Supplies Kit. Pack only the bare
essentials, such as medications, and leave your home
quickly. Follow the traffic route authorities
recommend. Don't take short cuts on the way to the
shelter.
- If you find someone who appears to have been
injured from chemical exposure, make sure you are
not in danger before administering first aid.
- And lastly, remember, the best way to protect
yourself and your family is to be prepared.
The American Red Cross is an organization managed by
volunteers from your community. Although it receives no
money from the government, it is chartered by the U.S.
Congress to provide disaster relief. All help given to
people during a chemical, house fire, storm, or other
emergency is free of charge and supported through
charitable contributions and the United Way.
Emergency help may include shelter, meals,
replacement of essential medication, and personal
hygiene supplies. The Red Cross may also help reunite
families by staying in touch with all evacuation sites.
The strength of the Red Cross is its core of
volunteers who work in all levels of the organization.
If you would like more information about becoming a Red
Cross volunteer, either in Disaster Services, Health and
Safety, Blood Services, or community programs, call your
local
Red Cross chapter.
Important telephone numbers emergency medical
service: 9-1-1
If an accident involving hazardous materials occurs,
you will be notified by the authorities as to what steps
to take. You may hear a siren, be called by telephone,
or emergency personnel may drive by and give
instructions over a loudspeaker. Officials could even
come to your door. If you hear a warning signal, you
should go indoors and listen to a local Emergency Alert
System (EAS) station for emergency instructions from
county or state officials. Ask your local office of
emergency management or Red Cross chapter which stations
carry official messages in your community.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter
Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:
Materials for Children:
- "Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (ARC 2200,
English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) for children ages
3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024)
video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with
children in grades 4-6.
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