Preparing for Chemical Emergencies

*From Preparing for Hazardous Chemical Emergencies in Your Community, from the Washington State Emergency Management Division

Communities throughout the Pacific Northwest are subject to a number of chemical-related disasters. While we all hope that such occurrences never happen, it has been shown time and time again that being prepared for disaster is always the best bet.

One hazard that many people forget to prepare for is a major chemical emergency. Our own community has many industrial facilities that produce or maintain a variety of hazardous chemicals. Cowlitz County also has major railways and a freeway that often are used to transport chemicals.

What to do during a major chemical emergency:

• You can be notified of a major chemical emergency by authorities. If you hear a siren or other warning signal, turn on a radio or television for information.


• To get your attention, a siren could sound, you could be called from the county's Emergency Community Notification System, or emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker.

One of the basic instructions you may be given in a chemical emergency is to shelter-in-place. This is a basic precaution to keep you and your family safe while remaining in your home.

Steps to Shelter-in-Place

• Go indoors immediately


• Go into a room with the fewest doors and windows (bathrooms are usually safe bets)


• Take your disaster supply kit with you (you have one, right?)


• Seal gaps and cracks under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape


• Listen to local radio or television stations, or a NOAA Weather Radio for further instructions


• If time permits, close off nonessential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms, and extra bedrooms


• Seal gaps around air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum foil.


• Stay in the room and listen to your radio or television until you are told all is safe, or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community. Following the advice of local authorities is your safest choice.


• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows.


• You can provide a minimal amount of breathing protection by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. Many chemicals can cause damage to breathing passages.


• Immediately after the shelter-in-place announcement, fill bathtubs or large containers for an additional water supply, and turn off the intake valve to the house. Water supplies may become contaminated. Preserve the water you have available.


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