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Thursday, July 24, 2008


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Emergency Management
911 Fourth Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Phone: (706) 821-1155
Fax: (706) 821-1246
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Emergency Management

Emergency Preparedness Guide - Industrial Hazards

Hazards materials

A hazardous materials incident can occur anywhere. Communities located near manufacturing plants and industrial areas are at risk. Transport of these materials on major roadways and railroads also pose a risk to the areas surrounding them.

It is also important to recognize the presence of hazardous materials. Although many materials are odorless and tasteless, they can cause immediate physical effects and reactions such as watering eyes or nausea. Some hazardous materials can be recognized by an oil or foam like appearance on the ground.

Steps to take in the event of a Hazardous materials accident.

At The Scene of an Accident

  1. Call 9-1-1 or the local fire department.
  2. Move away from the accident scene and keep others away.
  3. Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance.
  4. Do not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke if possible.
  5. Cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
  6. Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
  7. Stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident.

Shelter in Place.

  1. Go inside if you are outdoors
  2. Protect yourself inside your house or other building
  3. close all windows and outdoors tape cracks for extra protection.
  4. Turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air intakes. Close all vents on cooling, heating or ventilation systems.
  5. Use the above systems for internal re-circulation of air only.
  6. Move to the central interior area of the building.
  7. Stay inside until local radio or tv station informs you the emergency is over.

Evacuation

  1. Immediately move to a location designated by public officials when so directed.
  2. Gather what you and your family will need.
  3. Take only essential items especially mediation.
  4. Do not go to your child's school. School officials will take special care of your children.
  5. Leave a sign on your door saying house has been evacuated.
  6. You will be directed to a safe designated area
  7. Keep car windows and vents closed

Protect Your Breathing

  1. Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth.
  2. Take frequent shallow breaths.
  3. Stay Calm- Do Not Panic.

For Further instructions keep tuned to your local radio orTV station.

Nuclear Power Plant

Local state and government agencies have emergency plans in the event of an accident at a nearby nuclear power plant. These plans define to emergency planning zones. One area covers the first 10-miles around the plant where it is possible people could be harmed by direct exposure to radiation. The second zone covers a 50-mile radius around the plant where radioactive materials could contaminate water supplies, farm areas, and live stock.

The greatest danger during a nuclear accident is exposure to radiation. This may come in the form of a cloud or plume, particles deposited on the ground, inhalation of radioactive materials, or ingestion of radioactive materials.

The longer a person is exposed to radiation, the greater the effect and damage can by. A high does of radiation can cause serious illness and even death. Knowing what steps to take and how to react during an emergency and reduce your exposure and risk of injury.

Protective Measures

Minimize You Exposure

Distance yourself from the area. This could involve an evacuation or orders to remain in doors.
Shielding yourself from radiation. The more heavy or dense the material is between you and the radiation source the better. Move to your basement or an interior room.
Most radioactive material looses its strength fairly quickly over time.

If you are told to evacuate

  1. Immediately move to a location designated by public officials when so directed.
  2. Gather what you and your family will need.
  3. Take only essential items especially mediation.
  4. Do not go to your child's school. School officials will take special care of your children.
  5. Leave a sign on your door saying house has been evacuated.
  6. You will be directed to a safe designated area
  7. Keep car windows and vents closed

Shelter In Place.

  1. Go inside if you are outdoors
  2. protect yourself inside your house or other building
  3. Close all windows and outdoors tape cracks for extra protection.
  4. Turn off the air conditioner, ventilation fans, furnace, and other air intakes. Close all vents on cooling, heating or ventilation systems.
  5. Use the above systems for internal re-circulation of air only.
  6. Move to the central interior area of the building.
  7. Stay inside until local radio or TV station informs you the emergency is over.
  8. Go to a basement or other underground area, if possible.
  9. Keep food in covered containers or in the refrigerator. Food not previously covered should be washed before being put in to containers.
  10. Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary.

If you suspect you have been exposed to radiation.

  1. Change clothes and shoes.
  2. Put exposed clothing in a plastic bag.
  3. Seal the bag and place it out of the way.
  4. Take a thorough shower.

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