Emergency Online

HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL HAZARDS

We use products at home that contain hazardous chemicals.  To protect ourselves and our family, we must know how to handle these products to prevent any untoward incident and  to reduce the risk of injury during an emergency situation.

Usage, Storage and Disposal

• Buy only what you think you will use. You can donate, share or dispose leftover chemicals properly.
  
• Read the product label carefully.  Follow manufacturer's directions and/or instructions.
  
• Store the household chemicals where children have no no access to them. 
• Never remove labels. As much as possible, keep them in their original containers.  Repackage corroding containers and label accordingly.
  
• Never store these hazardous products in food containers.
• Never mix hazardous chemicals or wastes with other products. Chemical reaction can be dangerous
• Never smoke while using household chemicals.
• Never use flammable materials near open flame for obvious reasons. Although you may not be able to see or smell them, vapor particles in the air could catch fire or explode.
• Clean up any chemical spill immediately. Use rags to clean up the spill and wear gloves and eye protection for your own safety.  Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors, then dispose of the rags by wrapping in a newspaper and placing them in a sealed plastic bag in your trash can.
• Dispose of these  materials correctly. Find out if there is a household hazardous waste collection in your area.
• Post the number of the emergency services and the poison control center near your phone area. 

What to do
If there is a danger of fire or explosion, get of your residence immediately. Do not do anything else, just get out.  Call the fire department from outside once you are safely away from danger.   Don't inhale the toxic fumes.

Symptoms of Toxic Poisoning
Difficulty breathing;  irritation of the eyes, skin, throat or respiratory tract; Changes in skin color; Headache or blurred vision; Dizziness; Clumsiness or lack of coordination; Cramps or diarrhea.