Hazardous Materials Incidents

Hazardous materials aren't limited to chemical plants — service stations, hospitals, waste facilities, and even a tanker truck on the highway can all be sources of a hazmat incident. Knowing how to respond quickly matters, since exposure risk often depends on how fast you take protective action.

Before an Incident

• Build an emergency supply kit that includes duct tape, scissors, and plastic sheeting to cover doors, windows, and vents.
• Identify an above-ground room in your home or workplace with as few openings as possible to use as a shelter-in-place location.
• Many communities have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) that tracks hazardous materials nearby — check whether yours publishes public information.

If You Can't Evacuate: Shelter-in-Place

Per Ready.gov, if you can't get out of the area or find clean air without passing through the affected zone:

• Bring pets inside and move everyone to an interior room.
• Close and lock all exterior doors and windows; close vents and fireplace dampers.
• Turn off air conditioning and ventilation, or set systems to 100% recirculation.
• Seal gaps around doors and vents with wet towels, plastic sheeting, or duct tape.
• If gas or vapors may have entered the building, breathe through a cloth or towel.
• Listen to local radio or TV for instructions — depending on the incident, evacuation may actually be the safer option.

Be Ready to Respond

Keep PPE and protective supplies on hand alongside your shelter-in-place kit.