Hazardous Materials, Chemical Spills and Radiation - Emergency Management

Hazardous Materials, Chemical Spills and Radiation

Syracuse Fire Department Hazmat team in action in Skaneateles. Photographed by Evan Whitney. — Courtesy of the Skaneateles Fire Department. Syracuse Fire Department Hazmat team in action in Skaneateles. Photographed by Evan Whitney.

Handling Hazardous Materials, Spills, and Radiation Safely

Many people come into contact with or use hazardous materials in their daily lives. While small spills may still occur, major spills require immediate action. If a significant spill happens, it is important to contact the proper authorities, who will provide guidance on the safest course of action and respond to the scene.

Facts About Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials are not just radioactive or poisonous materials, they can also include flammable and combustible substances, as well as poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids, and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants. Emergencies related to hazardous materials can happen at any time, whether it is during the creation, storage, transportation, use, or disposal of the materials. Signs of a chemical release include difficulty breathing, eye irritation, loss of coordination, nausea, or burning in the nose, throat, and lungs. The presence of many dead insects or birds may indicate a chemical agent release.

Before an Incident Occurs

It is important to create a plan before a chemical agent release occurs. To learn more information about what chemicals or hazardous materials could affect the area you may live or work in, send a request to our email at emweb01@ongov.net. We will work to get that information to you as soon as we have received your request.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit.

The kit should include duct tape, scissors and plastic to cover doors, windows and vents.

Create a Family Emergency Plan.

Know how to operate your homes ventilation system.

Identify an above-ground shelter room with as few openings as possible.

Read more about sheltering in place. (Link to sheltering page)

When an Incident Occurs

Hazardous materials, chemical spills, and radiation incidents can happen fast. That is why it is important ahead of time to know what to do before, during, and after an incident occurs.

If an incident does occur it is important to stay informed on what is occurring whether it is from our department, elected officials, local radio, or a television station. All of these sources will be able to provide up‑to‑date information on what is occurring and the instructions you will need to follow. Depending on the scope of the incident those directions may change from sheltering in place to evacuating an area entirely. The tips below are credited to and provided by FEMA and Ready.gov.

If asked to evacuate, do so immediately. Listen to authorities on where to go to shelter.

Quickly try to figure out which areas are affected or where the chemical is coming from, if possible, and get away immediately.

If the chemical is inside your building, get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area, if possible.

If you can’t get out of the building or find clean air without passing through the affected area, move as far away as possible and shelter-in-place.

Bring your pets inside.

Create distance between you and the incident by seeking shelter in an internal room. Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close your vents, fireplace and dampers and as many interior doors as possible. Then seal the room you are in with duct tape and plastic sheeting.

Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems, or set ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the building.

Seal gaps under and around the following areas with wet towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, wax paper or aluminum foil: Doorways and windows, air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting.

Take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel if gas or vapors could have entered the building.

Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated.

Quickly decide what is the fastest way to find clean air. Move away immediately, in a direction upwind of the source.

If in a car, keep car windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.

Find the closest building to shelter in place.

After an Incident

Once an incident has occurred it is important to wait for authorities to declare it is safe to either go outdoors or return home. It is important to wait until the area has been declared safe. If you become affected by a chemical agent seek immediate help. If help is not available, the best action is to decontaminate yourself and help others do so too if possible.

Remove all clothing and other items in contact with your body. Make sure to cut off clothing normally removed over the head to avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth. Put contaminated clothing and items into a plastic bag and seal the bag. Remove eyeglasses or contact lenses. Put glasses in a pan of household bleach to decontaminate them and then rinse and dry.

Wash hands with soap and water. If helping someone decontaminate, immediately wash your hands and other exposed skin afterwards.

Flush eyes with water.

Gently wash face and hair with soap and water before thoroughly rinsing with water.

As soon as it is safe to do so, proceed to a medical facility for screening and professional treatment.

*Credit: The information on this page is credited to and adapted from FEMA and Ready.gov resources. Their materials were used as foundational guidance and adapted to provide Onondaga County–specific preparedness information.