- A chemical emergency occurs when a hazardous or poisonous chemical is released into the environment and has the potential to harm people’s health. Chemical releases can be unintentional, such as the release of toxic gas from an industrial accident, or intentional, such as in a terrorist attack. Some hazardous chemicals are found in household cleaners. A truck carrying hazardous materials could crash into your building. Children are at greater risk than adults during a chemical emergency. Learn more about the types of hazardous chemicals.
- Each chemical emergency is different and may require different actions to keep people safe. During an emergency, you may have to evacuate or to shelter in place, depending on how close you are to the incident. In most cases, emergency authorities (local police, emergency coordinators, or government on the radio and on the television emergency broadcast system) will let you know where to go to protect yourself.
- In some chemical emergencies, emergency authorities decide when it is safe to evacuate the immediate area and give instructions for going to an emergency shelter, if necessary. Parents/legal guardians should be advised NOT TO GO to the child care facility during the emergency but wait for pickup instructions, location, and clearance from emergency authorities.
- In the event of relocation, proceed with evacuation procedure and name tag procedure. Try to contact parents/legal guardians to advise of current location.
- Some chemical emergencies make going outdoors or leaving the immediate area too dangerous. When this happens, emergency authorities will tell you to shelter in place. Parents/legal guardians should be advised NOT TO GO to the child care facility during the emergency but wait for pickup instructions and clearance from emergency authorities.
- Instructions from authorities will be provided to classrooms by the Emergency Charge.
- In the event of a potential hazardous materials emergency or other life-threatening environmental hazard within your facility, staff should call 9-1-1. Try to determine type of chemical or hazardous material if possible.
- Report the incident to Community Care Licensing, complete LIC624.
What if a Chemical Gets on Me or the Children?
- Many chemicals can go through clothing and be absorbed through the skin. If exposed to hazardous chemicals, you will need to quickly decontaminate (reduce or remove the chemical so it is no longer dangerous to you).
- You can decontaminate by removing your clothing, disposing of it properly, and washing your body. Learn more about decontamination.
- Use gloves when helping to decontaminate children and wash your hands with soap and water after decontaminating another person to ensure that you do not contaminate yourself or anyone else.
- If you don’t know what chemical spilled on you or your clothing, you can contact 1-800-232-4636 or email cdcinfo@cdc.gov for more information about personal cleaning and disposal of contaminated clothing.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/chemical-threats.html
Additional Resources:
Chemical Agents: Facts About Personal Cleaning and Disposal of Contaminated Clothing
Fact-sheets on specific chemical agents
Chemical Terrorism and Agents from the American Academy of Pediatrics