During a Household Chemical Emergency
If there is a danger of fire or explosion:
- Get out of the residence immediately. Do not waste time collecting items or calling the fire department when you are in danger. Call the fire department from outside (a cellular phone or a neighbor’s phone) once you are safely away from danger.
- Stay upwind and away from the residence to avoid breathing toxic fumes.
Recognize and respond to symptoms of toxic poisoning:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Irritation of the eyes, skin, throat, or respiratory tract.
- Changes in skin color.
- Headache or blurred vision.
- Dizziness.
- Clumsiness or lack of coordination.
- Cramps or diarrhea.
If someone is experiencing toxic poisoning symptoms or has been exposed to a household chemical:
- Find any containers of the substance that are readily available in order to provide requested information. Call the national poison control center at 1 (800) 222-1222.
- Follow the emergency operator or dispatcher’s first aid instructions carefully. The first aid advice found on containers may be out of date or inappropriate. Do not give anything by mouth unless advised to do so by a medical professional.
Discard clothing that may have been contaminated. Some chemicals may not wash out completely.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010 14:38:23 EDT
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