04-1 u Chapter 4 –Protective Actions Haz Mat Incident Considerations

04-2 Protective Actions u Session Objectives –Understand protective action options during a hazardous materials response –Understand the concept of; sheltering actions, evacuation, and population management

04-3 Controlling Access u Law enforcement and Fire Department personnel share responsibility

04-4 Law Enforcement Personnel u Establish outer perimeters u Establish corridors for ingress and egress u Control spectators u Ensure that personnel are not exposed in a downwind toxic situation

04-5 Protecting The Public u The first priority in haz mat response is to protect the public –accomplished by ordering protective actions u There are two actions that can be taken: –Shelter-in-Place –Evacuation

04-6 Shelter-in-Place (SIP) u The preferred initial action in many cases is sheltering-in-place

04-7 Shelter-in-Place Considerations: u The hazardous material involved u Location of the emergency u Time of day u Type of containers involved u Size of involved area u Weather conditions and related factors u Number and type of casualties u Traffic and crowd conditions

04-8 Shelter-In-Place Instructions u Close doors u Close and lock windows u Turn off HVAC u Close fireplace dampers u Tune into EBS for further information

04-9 If an explosion is possible: u Close drapes, curtains, and shades over windows u Stay away from exterior windows to prevent potential injury from flying glass

04-10 Evacuation u Evacuation takes time –when in doubt, begin with Shelter-In-Place protection u Incidents involving flammable atmospheres and explosions require evacuation

04-11 Evacuation Order u May be either voluntary or mandatory –Voluntary order v people are not required to leave –Mandatory order v all must evacuate due to the immediate hazard

04-12 Responsibilities For Evacuation: u Evacuation distances are determined by the Fire Department and/or Health Department u Law enforcement agency: –plan and carry out the evacuation order –provide for the shelter and welfare of evacuees

04-13 Protective Action Distances u Use NA ERG for initial protective action distances

04-14 Initial Perimeter Considerations u Amount of haz mat involved –actual and potential u Elevation of the release u Population density u Presence of drainage, flood control and sewer systems u Wind conditions u Topography

04-15 Evacuation Concerns u Potential health concerns u Concern about missing family members u Animal control u Transportation problems u Traffic conditions u People-related problems

04-16 Making the Decision to Evacuate u How much time is needed for the evacuation process? u First action is to isolate the area and deny access u Evacuation vs. Rescue

04-17 Evacuation Warnings u Include the following information: –Evacuation type (mandatory vs. voluntary) –Best available route(s) out of the area –Location of evacuation centers v if established –Anticipated duration of emergency –Time remaining before the situation becomes critical

04-18 Resources Needed for Evacuation u General guidelines: –Single family dwellings - 2 people per block –Small apartment buildings - 2 people per building –Large apartment buildings - 2 people per floor

04-19 Evacuation Legal Considerations u It is not legal to force occupants from their private property when, after being notified of the risk, they wish to remain

04-20 Evacuation Centers/Assistance u Locations that may be utilized for evacuation centers include: –School facilities –National Guard armories –Parks and other large public facilities u If necessary, direct evacuees to a place of relative safety as an “initial evacuation point”

04-21 Red Cross and Salvation Army –Food/Mobile Feeding –Clothing –Lodging –Medical and nursing assistance –Various family services –Rehabilitation –Emergency housing –Medical assistance –Referral services

04-22 Working with the Media u Public Information Officer (PIO) –should be identified immediately –provide direct liaison to the media for release of Emergency Broadcast messages

04-23 Authority to Order an Evacuation

04-24 Evacuation plan