Are You Prepared for a Hazardous Spill?

Thursday, 11 April 2019 11:48

The County of Brant is hoping to make residents aware of what to do in the case of a Hazardous Spill.

BRANT COUNTY - The County of Brant is hoping to make residents aware of what to do in the case of a Hazardous Spill.

Emergency Management Program Manager Kent Pottruff says every year the County of Brant identifies hazards in our community each year and prepare and practice their response to these potential emergencies and disasters.

"We encourage all residents and businesses to make a plan and prepare for emergencies as this will provide the best opportunity for a positive outcome."

Hazardous chemical spills are considered a risk to the community because of the close proximity to highways and railways where trucks and tankers regularly haul chemicals through the County. Pottruff says the risk of hazardous chemicals accidentally being released into the environment during manufacturing, storage or transportation is a reality that must be considered and planned for.

"In the event of a chemical spill, officials will provide instructions through the municipal website (www.brant.ca), social media platforms (@BrantCommunity) and local media. First responders may even go door-to-door to provide you and your family the appropriate notice and instructions. In some situations, you should seal yourself inside the building you are in. This is referred to as shelter-in-place. Other times, you may be instructed to go to higher elevations or evacuate the area quickly."

Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or other location. Local authorities will advise you to stay in your home or shelter-in-place until the emergency is over.

In order to protect yourself from an environmental hazard during a shelter-in-place incident:

- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.

- Turn off all fans, heating and air-conditioning systems to avoid drawing in air from the outside.

- Close the fireplace damper.

- Get your emergency kit and make sure the radio is working.

- Go to an interior room that's above ground level (if possible, one without windows). In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.

- Using duct or other wide tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.

- Continue to monitor your radio or television until you are told all is safe or are advised to evacuate.