Hazardous material releases – Get Prepared

Safety measures are in place for the use, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. This includes regulations, safety standards, and technology to lessen the impact. Industry and government regularly test emergency response plans to control and mitigate this type of emergency. They are ready to respond by deploying specialists and equipment.

To better prepare for a hazardous material release, know the risks specific to your community. Recognize the chemicals produced, used, stored or transported in your area and learn more about preparing for radiological and nuclear emergencies.

Before a hazardous material release

You can take steps to prepare for a possible hazardous material release:

• Prepare your emergency kit. Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can do right away
• Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs
• Check if your wireless phone is compatible with Alert Ready, Canada's emergency alerting system

Know your risk

The risks depend on the type, quantity, and location of the hazardous material release. You can't predict when and where this will happen, and the effects on food, air or water. Prepare yourself by understanding your level of risk:

• If you're close to an industrial area, learn about local risks and emergency plans that will be activated
• Contact community officials to find out about highways and railroads where dangerous goods are transported

During a hazardous material release

Follow the recommendations of your local officials. If you think there has been a hazardous material release:

• If you're inside a building where chemicals have been released, exit as quickly as possible
• If you're outdoors, move away from hazardous material as quickly as possible
• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Stay away from the security area set by first responders
• Follow instructions from first responders and local officials
• Remember that hazardous material may not look or smell unusual

If you were exposed or feel sick

• Seek medical attention, and listen to emergency responders or local officials about:
  • Treatment advice
  • Washing and clothing instructions
  • Monitoring your health
• Contact your local poison centre if you think you're experiencing symptoms
• Canadian poison centres operate 24 hours, seven days a week and can be reached at Canada's toll-free helpline 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669), or 1-800-463-5060 in Quebec

If you are instructed to evacuate

• Follow routes given by local authorities
• In a sudden emergency and evacuation, you won't have much time to gather your family and belongings
• Listen for the latest updates from local officials as they learn more about the emergency
• Follow the advice and instructions of emergency responders and local officials

If you are instructed to shelter in place

• Stay indoors until you receive further instructions
• If you were outside during an event, you may be asked to decontaminate before going inside (such as wash down using a hose or remove clothing)
• Close all doors and windows, and seal them with adhesive tape, plastic sheeting, or wet towels
• Turn ventilation systems off to keep hazardous materials out
• Set thermostats so air conditioners, furnaces, and hot water heaters do not come on
• Don't use:
  • kitchen or bathroom vents
  • fireplaces (close all dampers)
  • clothes dryer
• Stay tuned to local TV or radio for information and instructions
• Only make phone calls if someone's life is in danger or if you need emergency assistance
• Use other communication methods such as text messages

After a hazardous materials release

Exposure may require quarantine and the attention of medical authorities. Because the type of hazardous material may not be known right away, treatment is based on symptoms.

• Keep track of your breathing and heart rate, perspiration, dizziness, and skin tone
• Tell medical personnel and public health agencies about any symptoms
• Remember that some symptoms can take time to appear
• Be aware of food, water, or air contamination even once the emergency is over
• Consult a health care professional if you think you've been exposed to something unsafe
• If you have evacuated, do not return until local authorities advise it is safe