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| Home > Fact
of the Week 2011 > Chemical
Hazards |
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3-21-2011
Preparedness
Facts of the Week
by
Elizabeth Hall, Emergency
Services Specialist -
Kings County Office of Emergency Management |
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| Foreward
By Elizabeth Hall |
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| In
my efforts to bring to you
preparedness information that
is both informative, helpful
to the area in which we live
and yet interesting without
being repeated and overdone
to death can be difficult at
times. In my search to bring
you something different, I
came across preparedness information
just for Californians. It comes
from the California Emergency
Management Agency (CalEMA)
website. In the next 12 weeks,
I’d like to touch on
12 topics we as Californians
face. The information is basic
and will have added informational
links and downloadable materials
for your convenience. With
so much information packed
in each subject, you may want
to save or add to your “Favorites”. |
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| Photo - Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power
Plant,
San Luis Obispo, California |
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Preparedness
Tips: Chemical Hazards |
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Chemical
substances if released or misused
can pose a threat to you or
the environment. These chemicals
are used in industry, agriculture,
medicine, research, and consumer
goods. As many as 500,000 products
pose physical or health hazards
and can be defined as “hazardous
chemicals.” Each year,
over 1,000 new synthetic chemicals
are introduced. Hazardous materials
come in the form of explosives,
flammable and combustible substances,
poisons, and radioactive materials.
These substances are most often
released as a result of transportation
accidents or because of chemical
accidents in manufacturing
plants. |
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Chemicals
are a natural and important
part of our environment. Even
though we often don’t
think about it, we use chemicals
every day. They can be found
in our kitchens, medicine cabinets,
basements, and garages. Chemicals
help us keep our food fresh
and our bodies clean. They
help our plants grow and fuel
our cars. Chemicals make it
possible for us to live longer,
healthier lives. |
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A
home chemical emergency arises
when chemicals are used improperly.
Some chemicals that are safe,
and even helpful in small amounts,
can be harmful in larger quantities
or under certain conditions.
In fact, most chemical accidents
occur in our own homes, and
they can be prevented.
You
May
be
exposed
in
three
ways: |
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1. |
Breathing
the chemical. |
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2.. |
Swallowing
contaminated food, water, or
medication |
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3. |
Touching
the chemical, or coming into
contact with clothing or things
that have touched the chemical. |
Remember,
you may be exposed to chemicals
even though
you may not be able
to see or smell
anything unusual.
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Learn
about chemicals and chemical
emergencies
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| Chemicals
are everywhere. They
are an important part
of life. |
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| The
most common chemical
accidents occur in our
own homes and they can
be prevented |
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best way to avoid chemical
accidents is to read and
follow the directions for
use, storage, and disposal
of the product |
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| Mixing
products can be hazardous. |
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Statement
from California Emergency
Management Agency |
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Emergency
preparedness means being
prepared for all kinds of
emergencies, able to respond
in time of crisis to save
lives and property, to help
a community or even the nation
return to normal life after
a disaster, and ensuring
that the environment is protected. The
potential for a catastrophic
event impacting California,
the most populous state in
the nation with an estimated
population of 38 million
in 2008, is something that
requires this all hazards
approach. |
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The
information available within
the “Threats and Hazards” portion
of the Planning and Preparedness
Division web site is intended
to provide preliminary information
on potential hazards that may
impact the citizenry. The information
provided will include preparedness
tips and or guidance on how
to be ready for these hazards
and vulnerabilities should
they impact the State. |
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Do
your part for safety awareness by passing this
information along to anyone you can think of
who would benefit.
Have
a great week, and remember…… Be
Responsible - Be Ready - Be Prepared!
Teaming Up for Emergency Preparedness
Elizabeth Hall
Office of Emergency Management
280 Campus Drive Hanford, CA 93230
(559) 582-3211, Ext. 2634
www.kingscountyoem.com
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