Truck and rail accidents, fires, and explosions do happen here in the Miami Valley. When they occur, dangerous chemicals sometimes escape into the air . . . chemicals that may threaten people's health. Your Montgomery/Greene County Local Emergency Response Council (MGCLERC) suggests these simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:

IN YOUR CAR

Trucks carrying hazardous materials in certain quantities must have diamond-shaped signs (placards - see below) displayed on the front, back, and sides of their vehicle. These signs identify the type of chemical being transported:

If you witness an accident involving a placarded truck:

Go to the nearest phone and dial 9-1-1 to report the accident; If you have been able to observe the color and/or number on the placard without approaching the vehicle, include this information in your report; DO NOT approach the vehicle, attempt rescue, or remain at the scene.

If you see a plume or unusual cloud, it may contain hazardous chemicals:

• Close your windows and turn off or close ventilation to avoid breathing harmful fumes;
• Turn on your car radio and listen for any emergency information.
  
  
  
  

AT HOME

You may hear your community warning siren or an announcement over a public address system from a municipal vehicle on your street. If so, turn on your radio or TV for further information and STAY OFF THE PHONE. It only takes 20% more phone calls over the normal load to disable the phone system for an entire community, including essential police, fire, and emergency medical calls.

INDOOR PROTECTION

You may be told to close air circulation systems. If so, here's what you should do:

• Close all doors and windows;
  
• Turn off your air conditioner or furnace. You may be told to extinguish the pilot light on your water heater and gas stove. Pilot lights can ignite flammable gasses. Find out where and how to turn off these pilot lights and show all members of your family;
• Turn off your clothes dryer;
• Turn off all bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans;
• If you have a fireplace, close the damper.

If you are told to block your doors and windows, place wet towels, sheets, or other large items at the bottoms of outside doors and windows. Continue listening to the radio or TV broadcasts for further information.

HANDICAPPED/ELDERLY
PREPAREDNESS

• If you are visually impaired, tune your radio to a local station for audio Emergency Activation System information;
• If you are hearing impaired, tune your television to a local channel for visual Emergency Activation System information;
• If you hear sirens or see police and fire officials patrolling your neighborhood, contact neighbors to find out the nature of the emergency;
• Neighborhoods and communities should establish "buddy systems" to assist handicapped individuals. This will help ensure individuals are safe or have received help in getting to an evacuation shelter;
• Handicapped or wheelchair-bound persons should remain in their dwelling and implement the "AT HOME" (above) procedures until help reaches them. They should try to make telephone contact or in some way advise officials where they are located.

EVACUATION

For your health and safety, authorities may order an evacuation. If you hear a community warning siren or a public address announcement from a vehicle on your street, turn on your radio or TV and listen for instructions. You will be told about the emergency and where to go for shelter. Your local government will arrange public transportation if you cannot drive yourself or share a ride with a neighbor. If you are disabled or ill and unable to comply with an evacuation order without special transportation (emergency squad), phone your local fire or police emergency number and request assistance.

• Take with you, all prescription medicine and supplies you use on a daily basis (this includes oxygen, needles, etc.);
• If you have small children, take bottles, formula, diapers, and a favorite small toy;
• If time permits, take along one set of comfortable clothing for each member of your family. If you stay at a Red Cross shelter, there will be cots, blankets, comfort kits (toothbrush, soap, etc.), food, first aid, nursing assistance, and information;
• If you have a dog, cat, or caged bird, take it with you to the Red Cross Shelter. The Health Department does not allow pets in shelters, but arrangements have been made with the Montgomery and Greene County Animal Shelters to pick up, house, and feed pets during the emergency evacuation. You are responsible for picking up your pet when the evacuation order is lifted. If your pet is without a required license, you will have to buy a license when you pick it up.

EVACUATION CHECKLIST

When you hear the warning siren or public address announcement:

• Keep your radio or TV on and listen for instructions;
• Do not use the phone unless you have a medical emergency or fire;
• Before you leave, turn off air circulation systems;
  
  1. Close and lock windows and exterior doors;
  2. Turn off your air conditioner or furnace. You may be told to extinguish the pilot light on your water heater and gas stove. Pilot lights can ignite flammable gasses. Find out where and how to turn off these pilot lights and show all members of your family;
  3. Turn off your clothes dryer;
  4. Close the damper on your fireplace.
• Collect and pack all currently prescribed medication and related medical supplies such as oxygen, hypodermic needles, etc. Bring with you the name of your doctor and pharmacy if you will need to have any prescriptions filled prior to returning home;
• If time permits, pack a change of comfortable clothing for each family member;
• Be sure to bring identification showing your current street address. If your driver's license, State ID card, or welfare card is not current, you can use a bill mailed to you at your current address;
• Follow evacuation orders given on the radio or TV;
• MGCLERC is the local committee, with members from public emergency response agencies and local businesses, that is responsible for developing, enforcing, and exercising the local emergency response plan that would be used in the event of a chemical emergency.

PRE-PLANNING

If you have children, for your own peace of mind, find out about the school's disaster plan. Have other members of your family check this for their place of work, If you have children in child care facilities or family members in nursing homes, you may also want to check their plans.

Here is a suggested list of supplies you may want to have in your home for chemical emergencies and natural disasters:

Home Supplies

• Battery operated radio with extra batteries;
• Flashlight with extra batteries;
• Three (3) day supply of food and water;
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type);
• First Aid Kit and First Aid Manual.

Medications

• List of medications - with dosages;
• Name and phone number of your doctor and pharmacy;
• Three (3) day supply of essential medication for home and work (check with your doctor, s/he will probably prescribe an extra for this purpose).

Personal Articles

• Special toys for young children;
• Diapers and accessories for infants;
• Change of underwear per person;
• One set of comfortable clothing per person (i.e., sweat suit)
• Pillow per person (optional)

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