​​​Hazardous Materials

​​Hazardous materials are found in every community in Alaska

​​​Anchorage Local Emergency Planning Committee is responsible for planning and collecting information abouat hazardous materials in Anchorage.​​  They do this work with the help of the Anchorage Fire Department and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.


Before a Hazardous Materials Incident

​During a Hazardous Materials Incident
  • ​Listen to officials for detailed information and follow instructions carefully.  
    • ​Toxic chemicals can be odorless
  • ​If asked to evacuate:
    • Do so immediately
    • Follow evacuation routes to stay safe 
    • If there is time before you need to leave, close all windows and shut all vents
    • ​Take disaster supplies
  • If asked to stay indoors:
    • ​Close and lock all outside doors and windows.  
    • Close vents, fireplace dampers and inside doors
    • Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems, or set to 100% recirculation so no outside air is coming inside
    • Take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel if vapors could have come inside
    • Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated
    • Go into the shelter room you have chosen
    • Seal gaps under and around these areas with wet towels, plastic sheeting, duct tape, wax paper or aluminum foil:
      • Doorways and windows
      • Air conditioning units
      • Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
      • Stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting
  • ​​​If outside:​
    • Stay uphill, upwind and upstream 1/2 mile (8-10 city blocks) from the danger area
    • Do not walk in or touch any spilled liquids, mists or solid chemical deposits.  
    • Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke, cover mouth with a cloth or mask while leaving
  • ​If in a car:
    • ​​Stop and find shelter in a permanent building
    • If you must stay in your car, keep windows and vents closed and shut off air conditioner and heater

​After​ a Hazardous Materials Incident

  • Stay informed of current emergency information
  • Follow decontamination instructions from officials
  • Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as possible
  • Put exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers
  • Advise everyone who comesinto contact with you that you may have been exposed to a toxic substance
  • Return home only when officials say it is safe.  
    • Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation
    • Find out from officials how to clean up your land and property
    • Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to 9-1-1

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