The realistic picture
Most chemical releases are resolved within hours, and the most common order is to shelter in place, not evacuate. In 2023, a train carrying chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, forcing an evacuation that lasted days. In 2020, an explosion at a chemical plant in Tarragona, Spain, led nearby towns to shelter in place.
Before
- Find out whether there are chemical plants, rail lines or highways carrying hazardous materials near your home, work or school, and whether your area has an emergency plan.
- Choose a safe room: interior, with few windows and preferably not in the basement, because many gases are heavier than air.
- Keep in it thick plastic sheeting pre-cut to fit windows and vents, duct tape, towels for door gaps, water and a radio.
During: shelter in place
- Get into the nearest building. If you're driving, close the windows and set the ventilation to recirculate.
- Close doors and windows, turn off ventilation, air conditioning and heating, and close the kitchen hood.
- Go to the safe room and seal windows, vents and the gap under the door.
- Listen to the radio. Don't go to pick up children from school: schools shelter in place too.
- When authorities give the all-clear, open the windows and air out well.
If ordered to evacuate or caught outside
- Move crosswind or upwind, and toward higher ground.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth. It doesn't protect much, but it helps a little.
- If exposed, remove your clothing, bag it and wash with plenty of soap and water. If your eyes sting, rinse them with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.