NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
2009 NW 67th Place, Gainesville FL 32653-1603 -- (352) 955-2200 x108 -- fax 955-2209

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY?

Hazardous materials are common in our environment in North Central Florida because they are used by industry, business, government and private citizens on a daily basis. If a material, either alone or in combination with other substances, has the potential to damage human life it is considered hazardous.

THE KEY TO SAFETY IS KNOWING WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO if a hazardous materials spill or accident happens.

The North Central Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee has developed the following guidelines to help you reduce the danger from hazardous materials release situations. Keep this information handy and discuss it with your family so everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency situation. An educational video is available to help explain the following emergency actions.

EMERGENCY ACTIONS!

If there is an emergency you will be warned by local authorities through the news media which specific areas need to take which type of emergency actions. Follow the directions given during the emergency carefully. You will be provided with a telephone number to call for additional information and be informed when the emergency is over.

In case of a hazardous materials emergency you might be asked to take one of three actions; Protect Your Breathing, Shelter in Place, or Evacuate. If you have neighbors who need additional assistance, please help them understand these actions.

1. If told to PROTECT YOUR BREATHING:

Cover your nose and mouth with a damp handkerchief or if possible, a large wet bath towel or cloth.

2. If told to "SHELTER IN PLACE":

Go inside. Stay there until your radio or TV stations report that you may leave.
Close all doors and windows. Use masking tape or damp towels to seal the openings if possible.
Turn OFF heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
Do not use fireplaces. Put out the fire. Close the dampers.
Do NOT go to school to pick up your children. They will be safe with school officials who are prepared to take special care of them.
Listen to your radio or television stations for further instructions.

3. If told to EVACUATE:

Stay as calm as possible.
Gather items you and your family will need such as:
1. This pamphlet, extra clothing, eyeglasses, prescription drugs, other important medicines and a first aid kit.
2. Baby and chiliren supplies for at least three (3) days
3. Portable radio and flashlight.
4. Checkbook, credit cards, drivers license or other identification.
Turn OFF the lights and your household appliances. Leave your refrigerator and freezer ON.
Move to the place designated by public authorities.
When you leave, tie a towel or rag on your front door handle so that law enforcement and rescue personnel will know you are not inside.
Keep your car vents and windows closed. Do not use the heater or air conditioner. Drive carefully! Be patient with fellow drivers.
If you need a ride go with a friend, relative or neighbor. Ask law enforcement officials for transportation if nothing else is available.
If your children have to leave their schools, you will be told by the radio and TV stations where to pick up your child when it is safe.

Secure your home before you leave, then do not worry about your property while you are away!

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

IF YOU SEE AN ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT THAT MAY INVOLVE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE EMERGENCY AUTHORITIES AT "911" OR YOUR LOCAL FIRE OR LAW OFFICIALS.

Report briefly what you have seen and let authorities handle the situation from there. Do not approach a hazardous materials emergency scene. You may endanger your life and the lives of others.

This was prepared by the North Central Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee, 2009 NW 67th Place, Gainesville, FL 32653-1603 (revised Audust, 1994)