Simcoe Muskoka Emergency

Hazardous materials are used in many manufacturing and industrial processes.  Despite numerous precautions that are taken, accidental releases do occasionally occur during the manufacturing, transportation, and storage of these chemicals. The Risks The health dangers associated with exposure to a hazardous material vary depending on: the nature of the specific material or chemical the degree of exposure (amount, and length of time) treatment that is received after exposure

Some health effects may be severe and immediate.  In other cases, such as in exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, the harmful effects may take years to develop.  Hazmat incidents can also result in long term damage to the environment and property, or require expensive clean-up efforts.

There are two main types of spills or leaks:

1  Fixed Site Hazardous Materials Incidents

Fixed site incidents involve an uncontrolled release of hazardous materials which pose a risk to health, safety, and property from an established fixed site.  An example would be a gas release at a storage or industrial site.  Companies which use dangerous chemicals have detailed response procedures already prepared to deal with these situations.  Often they have employees who have received special training on what to do in the event of a chemical release.

2  Hazardous Materials Transportation Incidents

Transportation incidents involve an uncontrolled release of hazardous materials during transport.  They can occur if there is a train derailment or a traffic accident involving vehicles carrying chemicals.  Chemical spills which occur during transport can be very dangerous.  They can occur anywhere, including densely populated areas, and emergency services do not know what chemical is going to be released until the accident happens.  Whenever a hazardous material is being transported, a dangerous goods label on the outside of the vehicle clearly identifies the chemical inside and provides information about potential dangers.  Emergency responders are specially trained to recognize the information in these labels.  They are also equipped and trained on how to respond to reduce the danger in these situations.

Be Prepared

In the Event of a Hazardous Material Release

If there has been a chemical release, it is important to monitor the media for official instructions.  You may be instructed to shelter-in-place, which involves taking steps to seal yourself inside a building to prevent exposure.  In other instances you may be asked to evacuate the area.  Information may be broadcast about the specific areas to evacuate, routes to take, and where to find emergency shelters.

• Ensure that your emergency preparedness kit includes materials to allow you to shelter-in-place (duct tape, plastic sheeting, etc.).
• Identify what windows, doors, and vents would need to be sealed if you have to shelter-in-place.  Include this information in your Emergency Plan.
• Identify where there is extra material (e.g. plastic tarps in a garage) which you could use to help seal off your home.
• Have a "go-bag" ready to take with you in the event of an evacuation.
• Include evacuation plans in your Emergency Plan: have an out of region contact, and a pre-determined place to reunite with family members if you are separated in an evacuation.

In the Event of Exposure to a Hazardous Material

If you are in an enclosed area, try not to breathe in any fumes and leave the area immediately.  Contact emergency services right away and explain what has happened.  You may need to undergo decontamination before receiving medical attention.  Emergency services in our area have the training and equipment to decontaminate large numbers of people in the event of exposure.

The County of Simcoe is currently developing a specialized CBRN team (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) capable of providing a highly trained response to a variety of hazards and threats.