What Is a Home Chemical Emergency and a Major Chemical Emergency?

Chemicals are a natural and important part of our environment. Even though we often don't think about it, we use chemicals every day. They can be found in our kitchens, medicine cabinets, basements, and garages. Chemicals help us keep our food fresh and our bodies clean. They help our plants grow and fuel our cars. And chemicals make it possible for us to live longer, healthier lives.

A home chemical emergency arises when chemicals are used improperly. Some chemicals that are safe, and even helpful in small amounts, can be harmful in larger quantities or under certain conditions. In fact, most chemical accidents occur in our own homes, and they can be prevented.

A major chemical emergency is an accident that releases a hazardous amount of a chemical into the environment. Accidents can happen underground, on railroad tracks or highways, and at manufacturing plants. These accidents sometimes result in a fire or explosion, but many times you cannot see or smell anything unusual.

In the event of a major chemical emergency, you will be notified by the authorities. To get your attention, a siren could sound, you may be called by telephone, or emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker. Officials might even come to your door.

Learn more about your risk of chemical emergencies by contacting your local poison control center, local authorities on hazardous materials, the Environmental Protection Agency, Clark Countys Office of Emergency Management, or the American Red Cross chapter.

Awareness Information

You may be exposed to a chemical even though you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual. You may be exposed in three ways:

1. Breathing the chemical.

2. Swallowing contaminated food, water, or medication.

3. Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or things that have touched the chemical.

Learn about chemicals and chemical emergencies:

• Chemicals are everywhere. They are an important part of life.
  
• The most common chemical accidents occur in our own homes, and they can be prevented.
  
• The best way to avoid chemical accidents is to read and follow the directions for use, storage, and disposal of the product. Mixing products can be hazardous.
  

If you find someone who appears to have been injured from chemical exposure, make sure you are not in danger before administering first aid. If you think there might be potential danger, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If there is no danger, give first aid as needed.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared. Knowing what to watch for and how to respond will keep you alert to potential chemical hazards.

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that follow the main shock and can cause further damage to weakened buildings. After-shocks can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake. Some earthquakes are actually foreshocks, and a larger earthquake might occur at a later date.

Emergency Information

• The best protection during an earthquake is to get under heavy furniture such as a sturdy desk, table, or bench.
  
• The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls.
  
• Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, or falling objects.
  

Danger Zones

Earthquakes occur most frequently west of the Rocky Mountains, although historically the most violent earthquakes have occurred in the central United States. All 50 states and all U.S. territories are vulnerable to earthquakes. Forty-one states or territories are at moderate to high risk.

Help Your Community Get Ready

The media can raise awareness about earthquakes by providing important information to the community. Here are some suggestions:

• Disseminate emergency information. Localize the information by running the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross and hospitals.
  
• Interview county officials and representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shuttian earthquake
  
• Conduct a week-long series on locating falling hazards in the home.
  
• Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
  
• Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
  
  

Emergency Information

• Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
  
• Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Other conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality.
  
• A prolonged drought can have a serious economic impact on a community. Increased demand for water and electricity may result in shortages of resources. Moreover, food shortages may occur if agricultural production is damaged or destroyed by a loss of crops or livestock.
  

Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Listed below are important things to remember during the hottest months of the year:

• Protect windows. Hang shades or draperies on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.
  
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool; they just blow hot air around.
  Eat well-balanced, light meals.
  
• Drink plenty of water regularly. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
  
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
  
• Dress in loose fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature.
  
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
  
• Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people.
  
• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural "cooling system" to work.
  
• Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.
  
• Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.
  
  

Floodwaters can be extremely dangerous. The force of just a few inches of swiftly moving water can knock people off their feet. The best protection during a flood is to leave the area and go to shelter on higher ground.

Cars can be easily swept away in fast moving floodwater. Never drive through any amount of floodwater. If you cant see the lines on the street, its too dangerous to risk trying to cross the intersection or area. Take the extra five minutes and find another route.

Flash flood waters move at very fast speeds and can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings, and obliterate bridges. Walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet and generally are accompanied by a deadly cargo of debris. The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately and quickly to higher ground.

Danger Zones

Floods and flash floods occur within all 50 states, and Nevada is no exception. Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam.

What Is A Flood?

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters -- except fire. Most communities in the United States can experience some kind of flooding after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms or winter snow thaws. Floods can be slow or fast rising, but generally develop over a period of days.

What Is A Flash Flood?

Flash floods usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. Flash floods occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes.

Help Your Community Get Ready

The media can raise awareness about floods and flash floods by providing important information to the community. Here are some suggestions:

• Disseminate emergency information, including tips on floods and flash floods. Localize the information by running the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross and hospitals.
  
• Interview county officials and elected leaders about recent flood control projects, land use management and building codes in floodplains.
  
• Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do if an evacuation is ordered.
  
• Periodically inform your community of local public warning systems.
  

Did You Know?

• During the July 1999 100-year flood, some areas of Clark County recorded as much as an astonishing three inches of rain in a 90-minute period.
  
• Since 1982, 18 people have perished in Clark County floods. With every completed flood control improvement, a greater part of the community is protected from the dangers of floodwaters.
  
• Individuals and business owners can protect themselves from flood losses by purchasing flood insurance through National Flood Insurance Program. Homeowner's policies do not cover flood damage. Information is available through local insurance agents and emergency management offices.
  
• Flooding has caused the deaths of more than 10,000 people since 1900. Property damage from flooding now totals over $1 billion each year in the United States.
  
• More than 2,200 lives were lost as a result of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania flood of 1889. This flood was caused by an upstream dam failure.
  
• On July 31, 1976, the Big Thompson River near Denver overflowed after an extremely heavy storm. A wall of water 19 feet high roared down the Big Thompson Canyon where many people were camping. 140 people perished and millions of dollars of property were lost.

Helpful Links

Health District Fact Sheets 

Advice on entering your home after a flood.

Hygiene during and after flood.

Worker safety recommendations

Flood recovery with good general info

Cleaning up your home after the flood

Mold Issues

Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and consumer goods. 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.

A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. Communities located near chemical manufacturing plants are particularly at risk. However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.

Things To Do If Caught At The Scene Of A Hazardous Materials Accident

• If you see an accident, call 9-1-1 or the local fire department to report the nature and location of the accident as soon as possible.
  
• Move away from the accident scene and help keep others away.
  
• Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance. Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
  
• Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
  
  

If Asked To Stay Indoors ("in-place sheltering")

• Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape.
  
• 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.
  
• Close fireplace dampers. Close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms and extra bedrooms.
  
• Turn off ventilation systems.
  
  

If Asked To Evacuate

• Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures.
  
• Follow the routes recommended by the authorities--shortcuts may not be safe. Leave at once.
  
• If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all windows, shutting all vents, and turning off attic fans.
  
• Take pre-assembled disaster supplies such as a flashlight and extra batteries, a portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, emergency food and water, essential medicines cash and credit cards and sturdy shoes.
  
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, the elderly and people with disabilities.
  

Things To Do After A Hazardous Materials Incident

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  
• Follow local instructions concerning the safety of food and water.
  
• Clean up and dispose of residue carefully. Follow instructions from emergency officials concerning clean-up methods.
  
  

When a wildfire threatens the community, your personal safety is paramount. Listed below are some important tips people should follow, in addition to staying tuned to news media for additional information.

• If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.
  
• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
  
• Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
  
• Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.
  

If Advised To Evacuate, Do So Immediately

• Wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a handkerchief to protect your face.
  
• Lock your home.
  
• Tell someone when you left and where you are going.
  
• Choose a route away from fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
  
  

If You're Sure You Have Time, Take Steps To Protect Your Home

Inside:

• Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings, and heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
  
• Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
  
• Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
  
• Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding-glass doors.
  
• Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.
  

Outside:

• Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
  
• Turn off propane tanks.
  
• Place combustible patio furniture inside.
  
• Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
  
• Set up the portable gasoline-powered pump.
  
• Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
  
• Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
  

Emergency Supplies

When wildfire threatens, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. Assemble a disaster supply kit with items you may need if advised to evacuate. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, dufflebags, or trash containers.

Include:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil.
  
• One change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
  
• A first aid kit that includes your family's prescription medications.
  
• Emergency tools including a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries.
  
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card, cash, or traveler's checks.
  
• Sanitation supplies.
  
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
  
• An extra pair of eyeglasses.
  
• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Assemble a smaller version of your kit to keep in the trunk of your car.