What To Do in the Event of Accident

FIRE

• quickly evacuate areas put at risk by a fire
• take cover in a building, close windows and doors and turn off the ventilation system
• wait for other instructions from competent authorities

EXPLOSION

• leave the immediate vicinity and evacuate to a safe distance from the accident site
• take cover in a building, close windows and doors and turn off the ventilation system
• wait for other instructions from competent authorities

LEAKAGE OF A DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE

I.) WHEN INSIDE A BUILDING

• remain in the building and move to a room upwind of the wind direction and with the fewest windows, or take cover in a designated shelter (if available)
• create an isolated and enclosed space - close and seal windows, doors, and ventilation openings, turn off air conditioning (sealing all seams with tape, or stuff larger openings with fabric soaked in soapy water)
• prepare improvised respiratory tract and eye protection and cover exposed parts of the body
• follow instructions provided by local means of communication and do not underestimate the risk
• only make phone calls in urgent circumstances, do not overload the phone circuits
• remain calm
• only leave the building when so instructed by competent authorities

II.) WHEN OUTSIDE A BUILDING

• remain calm, focus on the situation at hand and immediately leave the area threatened by the dangerous chemical substance,
• the manner of egress from the space is dependent upon the wind direction spreading the dangerous substance from its source and your current location - always egress in a direction that is perpendicular to the wind direction,
• if you are located downwind and time is critical, immediately seek cover in a building and follow the procedure used when you are inside a building.

Taking cover is absolutely critical. This applies to everyone - at work, at home and at school. Children should remain at school, where they will receive additional information. If you receive a warning in a car, leave the car (parking the car if possible so that it does not block the road) and take shelter in the closest suitable place.

Taking cover means remaining home, if you are close to home, returning home or entering the closest building (residential building, shop or offices).

Improvised respiratory protection
The simplest way to protect the mouth and nose is to cover them with a piece of flannel fabric or terry towel lightly moistened with water, aqueous soda or citric acid.

Evacuation
Follow the instructions of rescue units.  In such case, close off the gas, water and power services, prepare your most essential items for travel (official documents, valuables and medications) and ensure your neighbours know they have to evacuate.