This is the third brochure in the Hazardous Materials Emergencies Citizen's Guide series. Other brochures in the series include, "Planning for Hazardous Materials Emergencies" and "Obtaining Information on Chemicals Stored in Bucks County".
This brochure gives instructions for planning you may need to undertake during a hazardous materials emergency.
1. If there is an accident involving hazardous chemicals, what will I be asked to do?
In the event of a hazmat accident, citizens may be asked to either take shelter-in-place or to evacuate, depending on the nature of the incident and the prevailing weather conditions. Shelter-in-place means staying inside the building you are in, whether it’s your home, business or other facility.
2. How will I be notified?
Citizens may be notified by emergency broadcast messages on radio or television, or by local emergency personnel. In addition, Bucks County has instituted a Community Alert Network which is able to make up to 5,000 phone calls in an hour. Each caller will be given a programmed message as to the type of emergency, what area is affected, and what the public needs to do.
3. When will In-Place Sheltering be activated?
Each hazardous emergency is different and calls for a different response, which will be determined by the on-scene Incident Commander.
In certain instances, such as the short-term release of a toxic gas, sheltering-in-place would be the preferred course of action. In these cases, citizens would be in greater danger if they were to go outdoors into a toxic plume.
4. What should I do while sheltering-in-place?
You will be advised to turn off heat, air-conditioning and fans; close vents, windows and doors; seal any cracks; and keep your radio or TV on for instructions. Pets should be brought inside and you should stay off your phone. When the danger has passed, you will be advised by radio or television when it is safe to open your home or building for ventilation and when you can go outside.
5. When may evacuation be needed?
Citizens may be asked to evacuate in any of the following cases: where there is advance warning of significant hazard, the possibility of an explosion, a leak into utility systems which may enter a building, or the danger of long-term exposure. Do not evacuate unless explicitly advised do so via radio, television or CAN or by your local officials.
6. How will evacuation be accomplished?
Evacuation may be confined to a block, a building, or the immediate area surrounding the incident. Or it may involve large numbers of people.
You will be advised by radio, tv, CAN or police and fire responders as to the shelter to be used and the best route to get there.
7. Will transportation be provided?
Citizens without transportation will be asked to report to areas where transportation will be available. Citizens with transportation may be asked to assist neighbors who cannot drive. Arrangements can be made for transporting the elderly, handicapped, children or infirmed by calling your local municipal office; however, it would be very helpful in an emergency if these arrangements could be made in advance of an emergency by calling your local municipal office to let them know of your particular needs.
8. What should I take with me?
Pack extra clothing, medicines, water, a battery-operated radio and some light snacks.
9. What about children in schools?
If school is in session when either an evacuation or shelter-in-place is required, children will be moved by local officials to the designated shelter. Parents should not drive to the school or school shelter nor call there, since they will be busy protecting your children and know what needs to be done.
10. How can I get more information concerning hazardous emergencies?
Call the Bucks County Emergency Agency at