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Haz Mat Incident Considerations. Chapter 4 Protective Actions. Protective Actions. Session Objectives Understand protective action options during a hazardous materials response Understand the concept of; sheltering actions, evacuation, and population management. Controlling Access.
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Haz MatIncident Considerations • Chapter 4 • Protective Actions
Protective Actions • Session Objectives • Understand protective action options during a hazardous materials response • Understand the concept of; sheltering actions, evacuation, and population management
Controlling Access • Law enforcement and Fire Department personnel share responsibility
Law Enforcement Personnel • Establish outer perimeters • Establish corridors for ingress and egress • Control spectators • Ensure that personnel are not exposed in a downwind toxic situation
Protecting The Public • The first priority in haz mat response is to protect the public • accomplished by ordering protective actions • There are two actions that can be taken: • Shelter-in-Place • Evacuation
Shelter-in-Place (SIP) • The preferred initial action in many cases is sheltering-in-place
Shelter-in-Place Considerations: • The hazardous material involved • Location of the emergency • Time of day • Type of containers involved • Size of involved area • Weather conditions and related factors • Number and type of casualties • Traffic and crowd conditions
Shelter-In-Place Instructions • Close doors • Close and lock windows • Turn off HVAC • Close fireplace dampers • Tune into EBS for further information
If an explosion is possible: • Close drapes, curtains, and shades over windows • Stay away from exterior windows to prevent potential injury from flying glass
Evacuation • Evacuation takes time • when in doubt, begin with Shelter-In-Place protection • Incidents involving flammable atmospheres and explosions require evacuation
Evacuation Order • May be either voluntary or mandatory • Voluntary order • people are not required to leave • Mandatory order • all must evacuate due to the immediate hazard
Responsibilities For Evacuation: • Evacuation distances are determined by the Fire Department and/or Health Department • Law enforcement agency: • plan and carry out the evacuation order • provide for the shelter and welfare of evacuees
Protective Action Distances • Use NA ERG for initial protective action distances
Initial Perimeter Considerations • Amount of haz mat involved • actual and potential • Elevation of the release • Population density • Presence of drainage, flood control and sewer systems • Wind conditions • Topography
Evacuation Concerns • Potential health concerns • Concern about missing family members • Animal control • Transportation problems • Traffic conditions • People-related problems
Making the Decision to Evacuate • How much time is needed for the evacuation process? • First action is to isolate the area and deny access • Evacuation vs. Rescue
Evacuation Warnings • Include the following information: • Evacuation type (mandatory vs. voluntary) • Best available route(s) out of the area • Location of evacuation centers • if established • Anticipated duration of emergency • Time remaining before the situation becomes critical
Resources Needed for Evacuation • General guidelines: • Single family dwellings - 2 people per block • Small apartment buildings - 2 people per building • Large apartment buildings - 2 people per floor
Evacuation Legal Considerations • It is not legal to force occupants from their private property when, after being notified of the risk, they wish to remain
Evacuation Centers/Assistance • Locations that may be utilized for evacuation centers include: • School facilities • National Guard armories • Parks and other large public facilities • If necessary, direct evacuees to a place of relative safety as an “initial evacuation point”
Red Cross and Salvation Army • Food/Mobile Feeding • Clothing • Lodging • Medical and nursing assistance • Various family services • Rehabilitation • Emergency housing • Medical assistance • Referral services
Working with the Media • Public Information Officer (PIO) • should be identified immediately • provide direct liaison to the media for release of Emergency Broadcast messages