Hazardous Materials Incidents
Hazardous materials are chemical substances, which if released or misused can pose a threat to the environment or health of a community. These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine, 
research and consumer goods throughout Stearns County. Hazardous materials come in the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances, corrosives, poisons and radioactive materials.
A hazardous material spill or release can pose a risk to life, health and property. An incident can force the evacuation of a few people, a section of a facility or an entire neighborhood or community, resulting in significant economic impact and possible property damage. Spilled material can be costly to clean up and may render the area of the spill unusable for an extended period of time. Hazardous materials incidents are generally unintentional, and associated with transportation accidents or accidents at fixed facilities. However, hazardous materials can be released as a criminal or terrorist act.
Preparedness
What to do before a hazardous materials release
- Review the list of businesses and sites in your community that manufacture, store and transport hazardous materials. Go to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Community Database; enter your zip code to receive a list of regulated sites. Also, be aware of hazardous materials transportation routes in Stearns County, primarily Interstate 94, state highways and railways.
- Learn more about household hazardous materials by taking the Federal Emergency Management Agency's online independent study course, IS-55 Household Hazardous Materials - A Guide for Citizens.
- Mercury is a hazardous material found in thermometers, antique instruments and older laboratory kits. Review these guidelines on household mercury spills from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Cleaning up spilled mercury in the home (85 Kb PDF).
- Post the number for the Minnesota Poison Control Center by your telephones: 1-800-222-1222. For more information, see http://www.mnpoison.org/.
- Purchase multipurpose (Class ABC) fire extinguishers for your home and vehicles, and review operating instructions. Check them once a month, and have them recharged if they lose pressure.
- Learn to recognize the U.S. Department of Transportation placards (diamond-shaped signs) on the sides of trucks, vans and trains that identify the hazardous materials they are transporting: U.S. DOT Placards.
Response
What to do during a hazardous materials incident
- Do not intervene in any way. Move away from the accident - at least one-half mile away and so that wind does not carry any fumes toward you. After you are safe, call 911. Report the nature of the accident, and if there were any identifying signs of hazardous materials (spills, fumes, placards).
- Follow the directions of emergency responders. If you are ordered to evacuate the area, do so immediately.
Recovery
What to do after a hazardous materials incident
- Seek medical attention if you were exposed to a hazardous material, whether through direct contact or inhalation.
- Follow instructions from emergency officials concerning clean-up methods and the safety of the food and water supply.
For More Information:
U.S. Department of Transportation - HazMat Safety
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Environmental Emergencies
National Response Center - (oil and chemical spill reporting)