Learn about your community's risk from major chemical emergencies. Contact your emergency management agency or American Red Cross chapter for information on chemical plants and hazardous material transportation routes in your area.
Find out evacuation plans for your workplace and your children's schools. Different locations have different plans. Know where you or your children may be taken in the event of a major chemical emergency.
Develop an evacuation plan. (See Evacuation in the Family Disaster Plan section.) Everyone in your family should know where to go if they have to leave. Trying to make plans at the last minute can be upsetting and create confusion.
Learn about industry and community warning signals. Different communities may have different ways of providing warnings. Many communities have sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes. Use a NOAA weather radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you aware of warnings while you are indoors.
Discuss chemical emergencies with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing major chemical emergencies ahead of time helps reduce fear and anxiety and lets everyone know how to respond.
Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit!
Please see the Disaster Supplies Kit section for general supplies kit information. Specific supplies for a chemical emergency should include the following: