WHERE TO GO? WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CHEMICAL EMERGENCY? 

Although the chance of a significant chemical release is small, the possible health effects could be serious. Therefore, it is important for you to know what to do. These accidental releases can occur quickly. For the first few minutes of any emergency, you will be on your own and you will need to rely on your senses.

OUTDOORS

If you smell a strong chemical odor, protect yourself immediately by going inside the nearest building, home or vehicle. This is called SHELTER IN PLACE and it’s the best way to protect yourself in the event of an accidental chemical release. It works because the outside air does not mix quickly with the air in these spaces when they are closed or sealed. Shelter in place protects you from the most toxic vapors as the cloud passes.

If you notice a strong chemical smell, alert any Manager or Supervisor.

1.  Go indoors immediately

2.  An overhead Shelter In Place announcement will be made to all employees.

3.  Close doors and windows

4.  Turn off heaters and air conditioners.

5. Cover nose and mouth with wet cloth and seal doorways with  clothing/smocks aprons, etc.

6.  Listen to 1620 AM CitiSOUNDS, KNX 1070 AM, or KFWB 980 AM

7. Wait for additional instructions following an “all clear” message.

PARKED IN YOUR CAR

1.  Shelter in Place. DO NOT start the engine!

2.  Close windows, vents; turn off air conditioner/heater.

3. Tune your radio to 1620 AM CitiSOUNDS and listen for further instructions.

DRIVING YOUR CAR

1.  Shelter in Place. DO NOT start the engine!

2.  Close windows, vents; turn off air conditioner/heater.

3. Tune your radio to 1620 AM CitiSOUNDS and listen for further instructions.

4.  If your vehicle stalls, DO NOT start the engine.  SHELTER IN PLACE.

COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM

If there should ever be a significant chemical release, the following warning tools and responses will help to keep you safe.

1.   Your senses

If your eyes and throat burn and / or there is a strong chemical smell, trust your senses and Shelter in Place.

2.   Community Alert Sirens

In a serious chemical emergency that poses a significant threat to the health or safety of the public, the sirens will wail continuously for several minutes, then there will be a short break and the sirens will sound again. You should Shelter in Place. Chimes will signal the all-clear

3.   Community Alert Network (C.A.N.)

If a natural disaster or industrial accident should occur, the local Fire Department may activate the Community Alert Network – a computerized telephone calling system.  Follow instructions from the recorded message.

4.  Emergency Services

Working together, the local Police and Fire Departments will close roads to isolate and secure the affected areas. If necessary, they will help evacuate people.