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Chapter 4– Protective Actions

Haz MatIncident Considerations

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Protective Actions

Session Objectives– Understand protective action options

during a hazardous materials response– Understand the concept of; sheltering

actions, evacuation, and population management

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Controlling Access

Law enforcement and Fire Department personnel share responsibility

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Law Enforcement Personnel

Establish outer perimeters Establish corridors for ingress and

egress Control spectators Ensure that personnel are not exposed

in a downwind toxic situation

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Protecting The Public

The first priority in haz mat response is to protect the public – accomplished by ordering protective

actions There are two actions that can be taken:

– Shelter-in-Place– Evacuation

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Shelter-in-Place (SIP)

The preferred initial action in many cases is sheltering-in-place

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

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Shelter-In-Place Instructions

Close doors Close and lock windows Turn off HVAC Close fireplace dampers Tune into EBS for further information

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If an explosion is possible:

Close drapes, curtains, and shades over windows

Stay away from exterior windows to prevent potential injury from flying glass

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Evacuation

Evacuation takes time– when in doubt, begin with Shelter-In-Place

protection Incidents involving flammable

atmospheres and explosions require evacuation

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Evacuation Order

May be either voluntary or mandatory– Voluntary order

people are not required to leave

– Mandatory order all must evacuate due to the immediate hazard

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Responsibilities For Evacuation:

Evacuation distances are determined by the Fire Department and/or Health Department

Law enforcement agency:– plan and carry out the evacuation order– provide for the shelter and welfare of

evacuees

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Protective Action Distances

Use NA ERG for initial protective action distances

1996NORHT AMERICAN

EMERGENCY RESPONSEGUIDEBOOK

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Initial Perimeter Considerations

Amount of haz mat involved – actual and potential

Elevation of the release Population density Presence of drainage, flood

control and sewer systems Wind conditions Topography

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Evacuation Concerns

Potential health concerns Concern about missing family members Animal control Transportation problems Traffic conditions People-related problems

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Making the Decision to Evacuate

How much time is needed for the evacuation process?

First action is to isolate the area and deny access

Evacuation vs. Rescue

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Evacuation Warnings

Include the following information:– Evacuation type (mandatory vs. voluntary)– Best available route(s) out of the area– Location of evacuation centers

if established

– Anticipated duration of emergency– Time remaining before the situation

becomes critical

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Resources Needed for Evacuation General guidelines:

– Single family dwellings - 2 people per block– Small apartment buildings - 2 people per

building– Large apartment buildings - 2 people per

floor

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Evacuation Legal Considerations

It is not legal to force occupants from their private property when, after being notified of the risk, they wish to remain

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Evacuation Centers/Assistance

Locations that may be utilized for evacuation centers include:– School facilities– National Guard armories– Parks and other large public facilities

If necessary, direct evacuees to a place of relative safety as an “initial evacuation point”

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Red Cross and Salvation Army

– Food/Mobile Feeding– Clothing– Lodging– Medical and nursing assistance– Various family services– Rehabilitation– Emergency housing– Medical assistance– Referral services

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Working with the Media

Public Information Officer (PIO)– should be identified immediately– provide direct liaison to the media for

release of Emergency Broadcast messages

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Authority to Order an Evacuation

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Evacuation plan