
On this Page Hazardous Materials Incidents/Terrorism Preparing for a hazardous materials incident What to do in case of a hazardous materials incident What to do after an incident Terrorism The Weapons of Mass Destruction Accept Responsibility for your own Safety Prepare for all Emergencies Volunteer to Help If A Terrorist Attack Occurs: Emergency Telephone Numbers How to Report an Emergency Reporting a Bomb Threat	Decontamination Training
From industrial chemicals and toxic waste to household detergents and air fresheners, hazardous materials are part of our everyday lives. Affecting urban, suburban and rural areas, hazardous materials incidents can range from a chemical spill on a highway to groundwater contamination by naturally occurring methane gas. Hazardous materials are substances or materials which, because of their chemical, physical or biological nature, pose a potential risk to life, health or property if they are released. Potential hazards can occur during any stage of hazardous materials use: production, storage, transportation, use and disposal. Production and storage does not occur only in chemical plants: Your local service station's supply of gasoline or diesel fuel can be hazardous, and hospitals regularly store radioactive and flammable materials as well as other hazardous substances used in medical treatments.

Preparing for a hazardous materials incident
1. Know local warning and notification methods used in the event of a hazardous materials incident. These could include:		Warning sirens or horns. These outdoor warning systems may not be heard if you are indoors or inside vehicles.
	Emergency Alert System (EAS). The radio and television EAS disseminates community emergency information.
	Announcements over cable television. In some communities, cable systems are equipped to allow emergency response forces to relay announcements over cable television stations.
	Residential route alert. Motor vehicles equipped with public address systems travel predesignated routes to notify people of an emergency situation.

2. Contact your police and fire departments about emergency procedures.

3. Use this information to evaluate the risk to your family; determine how close you are to freeways, railroads or factories which may carry, generate or dump toxic waste.

4. An accident may force you and your family to evacuate immediately for a few hours or several days. Be prepared for this possibility ‑ see the Evacuation and Checklists pages for more information.

What to do in case of a hazardous materials incident

1. If you witness a hazardous materials accident, spill or leak, call 911.

2. If you hear a warning signal, turn on your radio or television for further information from emergency response personnel. Follow all instructions carefully.

3. Stay away from the incident site in order to minimize your chances of contamination.

4. If you are caught outside during an incident, try to stay upstream, uphill and upwind ‑ hazardous materials can quickly be transported by water and wind. In general, try to go at least one‑half mile (10 city blocks) from the danger area; for many incidents you will need to go much further.

5. If you are in a motor vehicle, close off ventilation and shut your windows. This will reduce the possibility for contamination or inhaling the hazardous material.

6. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately

Before leaving your home or office, close all windows, shut vents and turn off attic fans to minimize contamination.

See the Evacuation page for more information.

7. In certain circumstances, you will be requested to stay indoors, rather than evacuate.

Strictly follow all instructions given by emergency authorities.

To reduce the possibility of toxic vapors entering your home, seal all entry routes as efficiently as possible. Close and lock the windows and doors. Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels and duct tape or similar thick tape.

Hazardous Material Situation
& Response

Seal any gaps around window air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fan grilles and stove and dryer vents with tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper or aluminum wrap.

Close all fireplace dampers.

Close as many internal doors as possible.

If local authorities warn of an outdoor explosion, close all drapes, curtains and shades. Stay away from windows to prevent injury from breaking glass.

Turn off all ventilation systems, including furnaces, air conditioners, vents and fans.

Building superintendents should set all ventilation systems to 100 percent recirculation so that no outside air is drawn into the structure. Where this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.

If you suspect that gas or vapors have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel.

Remain in protected, interior areas of the building where toxic vapors are reduced, and keep your radio with you.

8. Avoid contact with any spilled liquid materials, airborne mist or condensed solid chemical deposit. Keep your body fully covered and wear gloves, socks and shoes ‑although these measures may offer minimal protection.

9. Avoid eating or drinking any food or water which may be contaminated.

10. If you learn that you will be sheltered indoors, fill the bathtub and large containers with water. Be prepared to turn off the intake valve in case authorities advise you to do so.

What to do after an incident
1. Do not return home until local authorities say it is safe. 2. Upon returning to your home, open windows, vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation. 3. A person or item that has been exposed to a hazardous chemical may be contaminated and could contaminate other people or items. If you have come in contact with or been exposed to hazardous chemicals, you should:		Follow decontamination instructions from your local authorities. (Depending on the chemical, you may be advised to take a thorough shower. Or, you may be advised to stay away from water and follow another procedure.)
	Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms that may be related to the hazardous materials release.

If medical help is not immediately available and you believe you may be contaminated, remove all of your clothing and shower thoroughly (unless local authorities say the chemical is water reactive and advise you for do otherwise). Change into fresh, loose, warm clothing and seek medical help as soon as possible.

Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers without allowing them to contact other materials, and call local authorities to find out about proper disposal.

Advise everyone who comes in contact with you that you may have been exposed to a toxic substance.

4. Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property.

5. Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to your local emergency services office.

Terrorism

Extremists sometimes use terrorism to effect change. Acts of terrorism range from assassinations, kidnappings and bomb scares to the threat of biological and chemical weapons.

In the immediate area of a terrorist act, you would need to rely on local police, fire and other officials for guidance on how to respond. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events.

Domestic Terrorism - Oklahoma Sity

Twin Towers, New York City - International Terrorism

Were you to be in the immediate area of an act of terrorism, remember what you have learned about responding to other emergencies. Specific pages to consult are:

The Earthquakes and Fire pages for information pertinent to explosions and fires in buildings. The Hazardous Materials page for information on sealing a home. The Checklists page for information about preparing an essential supplies kit prior to an emergency. The Shelter page for measures regarding water purification. The Evacuation page for information on evacuation procures.

The Weapons of Mass Destruction

The tragic events of both Oklahoma City and September 11, 2001 bring home to America the true threat of terrorism. However, it is not a new threat and no one is helpless. This is a criminal endeavor that manifests itself in a variety of potential disasters. We all prepare for disasters and we can prepare for this. These techniques can help.

Get the Facts

	More countries today have access to biological and chemical weapons. While terrorist attacks with chemical, biological or nuclear agents are possible, the likelihood of their successful use is not high. · Chemical agents are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. They can be released by bombs, sprayed from aircraft and boats and used to contaminate the air and food and water supplies. They are difficult to manufacture and to deliver in quantity. For example, the Pentagon estimates that a *ton* of sarin would be necessary to produce 10,000 casualties.
· Biological agents are organisms or toxins that have illness-producing effects. This includes Anthrax which has received a lot of media coverage, not always accurate. Biological agents can be dispersed by aerosols, animal carriers and through food and water contamination. Again, they are difficult to manufacture and to deliver. Aum Shinrikyo that attempted a major Sarin gas assault on the Tokayo subway system, with millions in funding and sophisticated staff, was unable to produce a biological weapon after five years of trying. · Nuclear agents are substances that generate harmful radiation. Nuclear devices and materials are closely monitored and difficult to obtain. The preferred terrorist weapon of choice continues to be conventional explosives. They can be easily manufactured and transported, as we saw in the Oklahoma City bombing. Fortunately, good physical security practices and public awareness can help prevent this type of attack. In the unlikely event of a biological or chemical weapon attack, you would be instructed to either take immediate shelter where you were and seal the premises or evacuate the area immediately. In a shelter situation, you would need to take immediate actions to prevent a biological or chemical agent from entering the shelter. This could b done by turning off the ventilation system and sealing all windows, doors, chimneys, vents and other openings with plastic film and duct tape.
Accept Responsibility for your own Safety
An aware and informed public is our best defense against terrorism. We must all do our part to keep our community safe. Terrorism is a crime and crime prevention strategies work very well. These include:		Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning. Notice where emergency exits are located. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway or congested public area in a hurry. Note where staircases are located.
	Notice surroundings. Be aware of heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.
	Report suspicious objects, packages, vehicles or persons to the appropriate authorities. Take reasonable and common sense precautions when handling mail, both in the mail room and upon receipt.
	Cooperate with security procedures at your place of work and in public places.
	Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.
	Don’t spread rumors – confirm questionable information with a credible source.

Prepare for all Emergencies
Monterey County is prone to many disasters. The same preparedness measures work well for many different types of emergencies. Some key things you can do:		Make copies of important personal/business documents and store them in a safe place.
	Identify an out of state contact person so family and friends can communicate with you during an emergency.
	Develop an individual/family/business emergency plan.

Plan for a meeting place if you cannot meet at home Discuss what children should do if at school Coordinate with neighbors for pick-up if children attend the same school Designate a surrogate parent for your children if you are not able to tend to them Provide this information to your child’s school

Learn how to locate and shut-off (if necessary) power, water, and gas.

Stockpile emergency supplies for 3-7 days, including prescription medicines and a first aid kit.

Know your community resources

Volunteer to Help
A successful response to an emergency requires a great deal of help. A number of the cities in the County have their own volunteer programs. Monterey County depends greatly on the Volunteer Center of Monterey County, and it will be a principal source of volunteer coordination during an emergency. Several volunteer groups have been pre-trained and are part of City and County emergency plans. Joining one of these organizations *NOW* increases your personal preparedness and your value to the County in emergencies. Some key organizations are:		Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS)– HAM radio operators providing vital communications links when normal communications systems are inoperative or overloaded. They serve in the Monterey County Operational Area EOC and at key sites throughout the county. Refer inquires to Bob Spencer, on the OES home page under staff.
	American Red Cross –provides victim services including on call Disaster Action Teams (DAT) and emergency shelter teams. In Monterey County there are two chapters:

Monterey County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 942 Lupin Drive, Salinas, CA, 93906, (831) 424-4824 / (831) 375-5730, and the Monterey Service Center, Presidio of Monterey, Building 257, Monterey, CA 93944, Phone (831) 242-6800, FAX (831) 242-6808

Carmel Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, 8th Avenue at Dolores Street, P. O. Box A.R., Carmel, CA 93921 (831) 624-6921, (831) 624-7014 fax

Volunteer Center of Monterey County, - Acts as a “clearinghouse” for volunteers. (831 655-9234 Monterey) or (831) 757-3206 Salinas).

If A Terrorist Attack Occurs:
		Remain calm and follow the instructions of emergency services personnel.
	Be alert to secondary hazards such as falling debris or additional devices.
	Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
	If you are trapped in debris.

Stay in your area so that you don't kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort--shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Monitor the media for emergency information and bulletins. The emergency stations are:

KSCO 1080 AM

KGO 810 AM (Alternate serving counties to our north)

Do not rush to the scene to volunteer –local emergency services will establish volunteer reception sites and will announce these sites through the media.

Emergency Telephone Numbers	How to Report an Emergency
		Police, Fire, Ambulance - 911
	Out of state contact _________________
	Personal physician ___________________
	School _____________________________
	Caregiver __________________________
	PG&E - 800-PGE-5000

Speak slowly and clearly

State your name

Describe the emergency

Ÿ What happened?

Ÿ Where did it happen?

Ÿ Who is involved?

Stay on the phone

Reporting a Bomb Threat
		Time and date the threat was reported
	How was the threat reported?
	Exact words of the caller
	Ask the caller

WHEN is the bomb going to explode?

WHERE is the bomb right now?

WHAT KIND of bomb is it?

What does it look like?

Why did you place the bomb?

Where are you calling?

Description of the caller’s voice:

Anti-terrorism action

Male

Female

Young

Middle Age

Old

Accent

Tone of Voice

Describe background noise

Voice characteristics

Time the caller hung up For yourself, your family and your community the greatest deterrence to terrorism you can perform is to carry on your daily life with equal parts vigilance, common sense, and preparedness. If you have already made the prudent preparations for fire, flood, and earthquake, you have gone along way in preparing for the worst of terrorism.

State Terrorism Brochure

Hazardous Materials Incidents

Get the Facts