• Return home (or discontinue sheltering in place) only when authorities say it is safe. Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
• Continue to monitor the media for emergency information.
• Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities. Depending on the material, you may be advised to take a thorough shower, or stay away from water and follow another procedure.
• Seek medical treatment for any unusual symptoms.
• Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers. Do not allow them to contact other materials. Call local authorities to find out about proper disposal.
• Find out from local authorities how to clean up your land and property.
• Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to local authorities.
• Call 2-1-1 to obtain shelter locations and other disaster information.
• Do not eat or drink food or water that may have been contaminated.
• Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need additional assistance.

Guidelines that should be followed by you and your family following a hazardous materials emergency include:

• If evacuated, return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Open windows, vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
• Contact local authorities to find out how to clean up your land and property.
• Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to your local emergency services offices.

If you have encounter or have been exposed to hazardous chemicals, you should do the following:

• Follow decontamination instructions provided by local authorities. You may be advised to take a thorough shower, or you may be advised to stay away from water and follow another procedure.
• Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms immediately.
• Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers. Do not allow them to contact other materials. Call local authorities to find out about the proper disposal methods for these materials.
• Advise everyone who comes into contact with you that you may have been exposed to a toxic substance.

Ready.gov – Chemical Threat

Ready.gov is the U.S. Government’s foremost resource on emergency preparedness and disaster readiness for citizens. Learn how to prepare for a hazardous materials incident.