Haz Mat Incident Considerations u Chapter 4 Protective

Haz Mat Incident Considerations u Chapter 4 – Protective Actions 04 -1

Protective Actions u Session Objectives – Understand protective action options during a hazardous materials response – Understand the concept of; sheltering actions, evacuation, and population management 04 -2

Controlling Access u Law enforcement and Fire Department personnel share responsibility 04 -3

Law Enforcement Personnel u Establish outer perimeters u Establish corridors for ingress and egress u Control spectators u Ensure that personnel are not exposed in a downwind toxic situation 04 -4

Protecting The Public u The first priority in haz mat response is to protect the public – accomplished by ordering protective actions u There are two actions that can be taken: – Shelter-in-Place – Evacuation 04 -5

Shelter-in-Place (SIP) u The preferred initial action in many cases is sheltering-in-place 04 -6

Shelter-in-Place Considerations: u The hazardous material involved u Location of the emergency u Time of day u Type of containers involved u Size of involved area u Weather conditions and related factors u Number and type of casualties u Traffic and crowd conditions 04 -7

Shelter-In-Place Instructions u Close doors u Close and lock windows u Turn off HVAC u Close fireplace dampers u Tune into EBS for further information 04 -8

If an explosion is possible: u Close drapes, curtains, and shades over windows u Stay away from exterior windows to prevent potential injury from flying glass 04 -9

Evacuation u Evacuation takes time – when in doubt, begin with Shelter-In-Place protection u Incidents involving flammable atmospheres and explosions require evacuation 04 -10

Evacuation Order u May be either voluntary or mandatory – Voluntary order v people are not required to leave – Mandatory order v all must evacuate due to the immediate hazard 04 -11

Responsibilities For Evacuation: u Evacuation distances are determined by the Fire Department and/or Health Department u Law enforcement agency: – plan and carry out the evacuation order – provide for the shelter and welfare of evacuees 04 -12

Protective Action Distances u Use NA ERG for initial protective action distances 04 -13

Initial Perimeter Considerations u Amount of haz mat involved – actual and potential u Elevation of the release u Population density u Presence of drainage, flood control and sewer systems u Wind conditions u Topography 04 -14

Evacuation Concerns u Potential health concerns u Concern about missing family members u Animal control u Transportation problems u Traffic conditions u People-related problems 04 -15

Making the Decision to Evacuate u How much time is needed for the evacuation process? u First action is to isolate the area and deny access u Evacuation vs. Rescue 04 -16

Evacuation Warnings u Include the following information: – Evacuation type (mandatory vs. voluntary) – Best available route(s) out of the area – Location of evacuation centers v if established – Anticipated duration of emergency – Time remaining before the situation becomes critical 04 -17

Resources Needed for Evacuation u General guidelines: – Single family dwellings - 2 people per block – Small apartment buildings - 2 people per building – Large apartment buildings - 2 people per floor 04 -18

Evacuation Legal Considerations u It is not legal to force occupants from their private property when, after being notified of the risk, they wish to remain 04 -19

Evacuation Centers/Assistance u Locations that may be utilized for evacuation centers include: – School facilities – National Guard armories – Parks and other large public facilities u If necessary, direct evacuees to a place of relative safety as an “initial evacuation point” 04 -20

Red Cross and Salvation Army – Food/Mobile Feeding – Clothing – Lodging – Medical and nursing assistance – Various family services – Rehabilitation – Emergency housing – Medical assistance – Referral services 04 -21

Working with the Media u Public Information Officer (PIO) – should be identified immediately – provide direct liaison to the media for release of Emergency Broadcast messages 04 -22

Authority to Order an Evacuation 04 -23

Evacuation plan 04 -24