Chemical and hazardous-material releases

Signs

Ready.gov lists these signs of a chemical release. Some toxic chemicals have no odor.

• Trouble breathing.
• Eye irritation.
• Loss of coordination.
• Nausea.
• Burning in the nose, throat, and lungs.
• Many dead insects or birds.

Before

• Put duct tape, scissors, and plastic sheeting in your kit.
• Learn how to run your home's ventilation system.
• Pick an above-ground shelter room with as few openings as possible.
• Ask your Local Emergency Planning Committee about chemicals stored in your area.

If told to evacuate

• Go immediately.
• To find a public shelter, text SHELTER plus your ZIP code to 43362.
• Get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area.

If told to stay inside

• Bring pets in.
• Go to an interior room. Close and lock doors and windows. Close vents and fireplace dampers.
• Seal the room with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• Turn off air conditioners and ventilation, or set them to 100% recirculation.
• Seal gaps with wet towels, plastic, tape, wax paper, or foil.
• If gas may have entered, take shallow breaths through a cloth.

If you're outside

• Move upwind of the source.
• If you're in a car, close the windows and vents and shut off the air conditioner and heater.

After

Don't go outdoors, even to help others, until officials say it's safe.

To decontaminate: remove all clothing. Cut off anything that would be pulled over your head. Bag the clothing. Flush your eyes with water. Wash with soap and water.

Household chemicals: never mix bleach and ammonia. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (Red Cross).