PREPARE
Hazardous household chemicals include:
- Cleaning products such as chlorine bleach and ammonia-based cleaners
- Pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides
- Automotive products such as antifreeze
- Batteries, mercury thermometer, lighter fluid, and home heating oil
Here are some tips on how to safely store and use hazardous household chemicals:
- Place products away from open areas where they can be easily knocked down.
- Store products in closed containers and high cabinets.
- Install safety locks for child safety, if necessary.
- Never mix household cleaners. Mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia can be potentially deadly.
- Do not place chemical products in food containers or near food and medications.
- Keep products in their original packaging.
- Do not smoke or be near open flames while using household chemicals.
Be ready whenever.
- Know your options in an emergency. Create an emergency contact card to keep on you at all times and become familiar with your cellphone’s emergency call ability.
- Keep the Poison Control Center phone number on you: 800-222-1222 and post the number of by all telephones in your house.
- Have a decluttered, open living space to allow for quick evacuation.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from loved ones! Ask for help on decluttering your living environment, storing chemicals properly, and disposing of chemicals properly.
RESPOND
What to do in a chemical emergency:
If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to a hazardous chemical, do not hesitate. Remove yourself from the area as quick as possible, preferably to a well-ventilated area. Take action immediately even if the situation may not seem serious. If it is a life-threatening chemical emergency, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, contact the Poison Control Center for instructions on how to deal with the chemical spill.
- Clean up spills quickly (within 1-2 minutes) and carefully. Protect your eyes and skin.
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash the affected area(s) with soap and water.
- Dispose of contaminated clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
Sources:
https://emergency.cdc.gov/chemical/overview.asp
https://www.thoughtco.com/bleach-and-ammonia-chemical-reaction-609280
https://www.ready.gov/household-chemical-emergencies
https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/personalcleaningfacts.asp
RECOVER
- Keep yourself and others away from the contaminated area.
- In serious situations, do not re-enter the contaminated area until authorities state it is safe to do so.
- If medical personnel are not available, decontaminate yourself before helping others who are affected.
- Monitor your health following the event. If you feel unwell, do not hesitate to see a medical professional.
Sources:
https://emergency.cdc.gov/chemical/overview.asp
https://www.thoughtco.com/bleach-and-ammonia-chemical-reaction-609280
https://www.ready.gov/household-chemical-emergencies
https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/personalcleaningfacts.asp