Hazardous Materials Leaks/Spills

If a hazardous material spill occurs:

1. Call the District Police Department at 5911 (559 244-5911 for 24 hour service).
2. If toxic chemicals come in contact with your skin, immediately flush the affected area with clear water for at least 15 minutes. Use chemical showers if available.
3. If you can give responders information as to the chemicals involved or stored in the affected area, it will help them respond more quickly.
4. If possible, notify your professor of the extent and location of the spill. If there is any possible danger, evacuate your area immediately.

If a chemical fire occurs:

1. Remain calm.
2. If time permits, close windows in the room where the fire is located. Close the door behind you as you leave, and immediately sound the building fire alarm.
3. Call the District Police Department at 5911 (559 244-5911 for 24 hour service).
4. If you can give responders information as to the chemicals involved or stored in the affected areas, it will help them respond more quickly.
5. If the fire is large, very smoky, or rapidly spreading, evacuate the building immediately. Inform others in the building who may not have responded to the alarm to evacuate immediately. The alarm may not sound continuously. If the alarm stops, continue to evacuate. Warn others who may attempt to enter the building after the alarm stops. ALWAYS EVACUATE A BUILDING IF THE ALARM IS SOUNDING.
6. When fire alarms sound, do not use the elevators. An elevator may become a trap. If possible provide assistance to (help carry, if necessary) disabled persons in using the stairs.
7. Relocate to your designated assembly area, which should be a distance of at least 500 feet from the building, and stay out of the way of emergency personnel. Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by Public Safety personnel.
8. Notify either Public Safety personnel or firefighters on the scene if you suspect that someone may be trapped inside the building.
9. Unless you have been trained specifically in fighting hazardous material fires, do not attempt to extinguish the fire.