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Chemical Awareness

Improper storage, transportation and use of chemicals can create. Accidents involving chemicals and other hazardous materials do occur. It is important to be aware of the possible dangers that chemicals pose to our families and communities, and what precautions should be taken to avoid harm. Following is information on preparedness in case of a chemical emergency.


Evacuation Vs. In-Place Sheltering

A hazardous materials accident can occur anywhere. Communities located near chemical manufacturing plants are particularly at risk. However, hazardous materials are transported on our roadways, railways, and waterways daily, so any area is considered vulnerable to an accident.

In-Place Sheltering Guidelines

The Decontamination and Consequence Management Division (DCMD) of EPA's National Homeland Security Research Center (NHSRC) is responsible for research into threat agents (chemical, biological, and radiological) that are of concern from the point of view of security. One of the DCMD studies has evaluated the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines for residential safe havens. These guidelines are designed to help people secure their houses against a release of an airborne hazardous material, in the event of a terrorist attack or accident.
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