Hazardous material spills
If there is a hazardous material spill in your area, stay indoors and listen to the radio for instructions.
A hazardous material is one that presents a risk to health or the environment. It may be chemical, radioactive, or a biohazard.
What are hazardous material spills?
In general, a hazardous material is one that presents a risk to health or the environment. It may be chemical, radioactive, or a biohazard. These materials are normally stored in a manner so that they do not interact with the environment or population. When there is a spill, the item either escapes the containment, or an event occurs, such as a fire, which changes a non-hazardous product to a hazardous one which then escapes the containment area.
Where are hazardous material spills most likely to happen?
The most common place for spills is at home. These are normally small and do not affect the surrounding population. Larger, community spills may originate from industrial sites or on transportation routes.
What should I do if there is a spill in my area?
If a spill occurs Public Health Sudbury & Districts suggests that you stay indoors and listen to the radio for further instructions. This is known as sheltering in place, or A.C.T (City of Greater Sudbury).
A.C.T. stands for:
- Always go indoors. Bring your pets inside with you.
- Close all exterior doors and windows. Close vents, fireplace dampers and as many interior doors as possible to compartmentalize your home.
- Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems to prevent outside air from being brought in.
By sealing your house, you can keep airborne contaminants out. If an evacuation is needed, instructions will be broadcast over the radio or police or fire crews will give instructions at your door.
For more information on hazardous material spills, call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).
This item was last modified on August 23, 2019