Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons and radioactive materials. 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.
Before a Hazardous Materials Incident
Many communities have Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) whose responsibilities include collecting information about hazardous materials in the community and planning made available to the public upon request. Contact your local emergency management office for more information on LEPCs.
The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a hazardous materials incident:
- Build an Emergency Supply Kit with the addition of plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Make a Family Emergency Plan
- Know how to operate your home’s ventilation system
- Identify an above-ground shelter room with as few openings as possible.
- Read more about Sheltering in Place
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