<p>Chemicals are found everywhere. They
purify drinking water, increase crop production, and simplify household
chores. But chemicals also can be hazardous to humans or the environment
if used or released improperly. Hazards can occur during production,
storage, transportation, use, or disposal. You and your community are
at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts
into the environment where you live, work, or play.</p><p>Hazardous materials in various forms
can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects, and damage
to buildings, homes, and other property. Many products containing hazardous
chemicals are used and stored in homes routinely. These products are
also shipped daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways, and
pipelines.</p><p>Chemical manufacturers are one source
of hazardous materials, but there are many others, including service
stations, hospitals, and hazardous materials waste sites.</p><p>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.</p><p>Hazardous materials come in the form
of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and radioactive
materials. These substances are most often released as a result of transportation
accidents or because of chemical accidents in plants.</p><p><strong>What to do Before a Hazardous Materials
Incident</strong></p><p>The Limestone County Emergency Management
Agency has the responsibility of collecting information about hazardous
materials in the community and making this information available to
the public upon request. The EMA, along with the City of Athens Fire
and Rescue also are tasked with developing an emergency plan to prepare
for and respond to chemical emergencies in the community. Ways the public
will be notified and actions the public must take in the event of a
release are part of the plan.</p><p><strong><em>Disaster Supply Kit</em></strong></p><p>You should add the following supplies
to your disaster kit:</p><ul><li>Plastic sheeting </li><li>Duct tape </li><li>Scissors </li></ul><h1><strong>What to do During a Hazardous Materials
Incident</strong></h1><p>Listen to local radio or television stations
for detailed information and instructions. Follow the instructions carefully.
You should stay away from the area to minimize the risk of contamination.
Remember that some toxic chemicals are odorless.</p><a name="0.7_table01"></a><div><ul><table border="4"><tbody><tr><td><table><tbody><tr valign="top"></tr><td><strong>If you
are:</strong></td>
<td><strong>Then:</strong></td></tbody><tr valign="top"><td>Asked to evacuate</td>
<td>Do so immediately. <br />
<br />
Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes,
temporary shelters, and procedures. <br />
<br />
Follow the routes recommended by the authorities--shortcuts may not
be safe. Leave at once. <br />
<br />
If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all
windows, shutting all vents, and turning off attic fans. <br />
<br />
Take pre-assembled disaster supplies. <br />
<br />
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants,
elderly people and people with disabilities.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Caught Outside</td>
<td>Stay upstream, uphill, and upwind! In
general, try to go at least one-half mile (usually 8-10 city blocks)
from the danger area. Move away from the accident scene and help keep
others away. <br />
<br />
Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed
solid chemical deposits. Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke. If
possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area. <br />
<br />
Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been
identified.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>In a motor vehicle</td>
<td>Stop and seek shelter in a permanent
building. If you must remain in your car, keep car windows and vents
closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Requested to stay indoors</td>
<td>Bring pets inside. <br />
<br />
Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close vents, fireplace
dampers, and as many interior doors as possible. <br />
<br />
Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. In large buildings,
set ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside
air is drawn into the building. If this is not possible, ventilation
systems should be turned off. <br />
<br />
Go into the pre-selected shelter room. This room should be above ground
and have the fewest openings to the outside. <br />
<br />
Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting
and duct tape. <br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those around
pipes. <br />
<br />
If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths
through a cloth or a towel. Avoid eating or drinking any food or water
that may be contaminated.</td></tr></table></td></td></tr></tbody></table></ul></div><h2><strong><em>Shelter Safety for Sealed Rooms</em></strong></h2><p>Ten square feet of floor space per person
will provide sufficient air to prevent carbon dioxide build-up for up
to five hours, assuming a normal breathing rate while resting.</p><p>However, local officials are unlikely
to recommend the public shelter in a sealed room for more than 2-3 hours
because the effectiveness of such sheltering diminishes with time as
the contaminated outside air gradually seeps into the shelter. At this
point, evacuation from the area is the better protective action to take.</p><p>Also you should ventilate the shelter
when the emergency has passed to avoid breathing contaminated air still
inside the shelter.</p><p><strong>What to do After a Hazardous Materials
Incident</strong></p><p>The following are guidelines for the
period following a hazardous materials incident:</p><ul><li>Return home only when authorities
say it is safe. Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.</li><li>Act quickly if you have come
in to contact with or have been exposed to hazardous chemicals. Do the
following:<ul><li>Follow decontamination instructions
from local authorities. You may be advised to take a thorough shower,
or you may be advised to stay away from water and follow another procedure.</li><li>Seek medical treatment for
unusual symptoms as soon as possible.</li><li>Place exposed clothing and
shoes in tightly sealed containers. Do not allow them to contact other
materials. Call local authorities to find out about proper disposal.</li><li>Advise everyone who comes
in to contact with you that you may have been exposed to a toxic substance.</li></ul></li><li>Find out from local authorities
how to clean up your land and property.</li><li>Report any lingering vapors
or other hazards to your local emergency services office.</li></ul>
2008-03-05T14:59:14-06:00
12
Hazardous Materials
2008-03-05T14:59:14-06:00