Hazardous Materials Emergency
Hazardous materials come in four forms:
- Explosives
- Flammable and combustible substances
- Poisons
- Radioactive materials
During a Hazardous Materials Emergency
- If possible, leave the affected area immediately in the direction upwind from the source
- If safely leaving is not possible, go indoors immediately and shelter-in-place. Do not leave the safety of shelter to assist others outdoors
Follow the instructions given by University officials
If instructed to evacuate:
- Do so immediately
- If available, monitor local broadcast media for emergency information on:
- Evacuation routes
- Temporary shelters
- Procedures to follow
- Follow the routes given by University, and other authorities; shortcuts and other routes may not be safe
- Carpool with others to minimize traffic congestion
- Assist those in need (children, elderly, disabled, persons without transportation)
If outside:
- Stay upwind, upstream and uphill
- Try to go at least one-half mile from the source
- Avoid contact with spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits
- If possible, avoid inhaling gases, fumes, and smoke covering the nose and mouth
- Avoid contact with exposed individuals until the hazardous material has been identified and interpersonal contact determined safe
If in a motor vehicle:
- Stop and seek shelter indoors
- If leaving the vehicle safely is not possible, close the windows and vents and keep the air conditioning and heater fan off
If indoors, shelter-in-place:
- Close and lock all exterior doors and windows
- Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems
- Seal off air conditioners
- Seal the gap between the doors and the door frames with plastic sheeting, duct tape or a wet towel
- Seal the gap between the windows and window frames similarly
- If gas or vapors enter the building, take shallow breaths through a towel or cloth
- Avoid eating or drinking potentially contaminated substances
- When the emergency conditions have ended, ventilate the shelter with fresh air
If exposed to hazardous chemicals:
- Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities
- Authorities may advise to shower thoroughly or to avoid contact with water and follow another procedure
- If experiencing symptoms of exposure, seek immediate medical attention
- Place contaminated clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers avoiding contact with other items
- Advise others with whom personal contact was made of the exposure so that they can also take precautions or seek medical treatment
Additional information is available on the following website: