HAZMAT Incident Safety Tips

Listen to local radio and TV 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.
If you are asked to evacuate, do so IMMEDIATELY.
If caught outside, stay uphill and downwind! In general, try to go at least 1/2 mile from the danger area. Do not walk into or tough any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits.
If you are in a motor vehicle, 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.
If you are requested to stay indoors, close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close vents, fireplace dampers and as many interior doors as possible.Turn off air conditioning and set ventilation systems to 100% recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the building. If this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.
Go into the pre-selected shelter room. This room should be above ground and have the fewest openings to the outside.
Seal the room by covering each window, door, and vent using plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those around pipes.