Hazardous materials
in various forms can cause death, serious injury, long-lasting
health effects, and damage to buildings, homes, and other
property. Many products containing hazardous chemicals are used
and stored in homes routinely. These products are also shipped
daily on the nation's highways, railroads, waterways, and
pipelines.
Varying quantities of hazardous materials are manufactured,
used, or stored at an estimated 4.5 million facilities in the
United States--from major industrial plants to local dry
cleaning establishments or gardening supply stores.
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act requires
that detailed information about hazardous substances in or near
communities be available at the public's request. The law
provides stiff penalties for companies that fail to comply and
allows citizens to file lawsuits against companies and
government agencies to force them to obey the law.
WHAT ARE
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?
Hazardous
materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused
can pose a threat to the environment or health. These chemicals
are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, research, and
consumer goods. Hazardous materials come in the form of
explosives, flammable and combustible substances, poisons, and
radioactive materials. These substances are most often released
as a result of transportation accidents or because of chemical
accidents in plants.
HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS WARNING PLACARDS
The U.S.
Department of Transportation employs a labeling and placarding
system for identifying the types of hazardous materials that are
transported along the nation's highways, railways, and
waterways. This system enables local emergency officials to
identify the nature and potential health threat of chemicals
being transported into your community. Were a chemical accident
to occur in your community, local emergency officials and the
fire department would be able to determine the proper emergency
response procedures for the situation by the type of placard or
warning label.
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Plan Worksheet - Information Sheet
Disaster
Supplies Kit
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Tips for Pets, Livestock & Wildlife
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Sheet
Food
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Chemical Hazards Information
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