Hazardous Materials

Different chemicals may require different precautions. The following is a good rule of thumb:

• Go inside immediately.
• Tune in to an EAS radio station.
• Keep your radio with you and continue to listen to an EAS station for advisories and announcements.
• Close all doors and windows to prevent contamination.
• Shelter in a room on a lower level of your home that is above ground and has as few windows or doors as possible.
• Turn off or block all sources of outside air, such as window fans, air conditioners, clothes dryers, exhaust fans, etc., to prevent outside air from coming in.
• Keep pets indoors.
• Shelter livestock and give them food and water from a covered source.
• Children in school will be sheltered at the school and cared for by school personnel.
• Stay inside until notified over the EAS radio station.
• You may be instructed to seal the room by covering doors, windows, and any vents using plastic sheeting and duct tape. Fill any cracks or holes. Note: This is advised for short-term shelter (2-3 hours) only to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
• Be prepared to evacuate.

If you are in a motor vehicle:

• Close windows and vents and turn off heater or air conditioner.
• Seek shelter in a permanent building, if possible.
• Keep your radio tuned to an EAS radio station.

If you are outside:

• Stay at least a half-mile upwind, uphill and upstream from the affected area.

More Information

For more in-depth information, please visit the Disaster Services section of the American Red Cross website, www.redcross.org, or the Hazards section of the FEMA website.