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 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.