What to Do During a Home Chemical Emergency

  • If your child should eat or drink a non-food substance, find any containers immediately and take them to the phone. The poison control center may need specific information from the container to give you the best emergency advice.
  • Call the poison control center, emergency medical services (EMS), 911, or the operator. They will give you emergency advice while you wait for professional help.
  • Follow the emergency operator or dispatcher's instructions carefully. Often the first aid advice found on containers may not be appropriate. Do not give anything by mouth until you have been advised by medical professionals.
  • If a hazardous substance comes into contact with an eye, it is important to take immediate action. Delaying first aid can greatly increase the likelihood of injury. Flush the eye with clear, lukewarm water for a minimum of 15 minutes, unless authorities instruct you not to use water on the particular chemical involved. Continue the cleansing process even if the victim indicates he or she is no longer feeling any pain, then seek medical attention.
  • If there is danger of a fire or explosion, get out of the house immediately. Do not waste time collecting items or calling the fire department when you are in danger.
  • If there is a fire or explosion, call the fire department from outside (a cellular phone or a neighbor's phone). Once you are safely away from danger, call for professional help.
  • Stay away from the house to avoid the possibility of breathing toxic fumes.
  • Wash hands, arms, or other parts of the body that may have been exposed to the chemical. Chemicals may continue to irritate the skin until they are washed off.
  • Discard any clothing that may have been contaminated. Some chemicals may not wash out completely. Discarding clothes will prevent potential future exposure.
  • Administer first aid treatment to victims of chemical burns.
    • Call 911 for emergency help.
    • Remove clothing and jewelry from around the injury.
    • Pour clean, cool water over the burn for 15 to 30 minutes.
    • Loosely cover the burn with a sterile or clean dressing. Be sure that the dressing will not stick to the burn.
    • Refer victim to a medical professional for further treatment.