Protective Actions

1
Haz MatIncident Considerations

• Chapter 4
• Protective Actions

2
Protective Actions

• Session Objectives
• Understand protective action options during a
  hazardous materials response
• Understand the concept of sheltering actions,
  evacuation, and population management

3
Controlling Access

• Law enforcement and Fire Department personnel
  share responsibility

4
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

5
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

6
Shelter-in-Place (SIP)

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

7
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

8
Shelter-In-Place Instructions

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

9
If an explosion is possible

• Close drapes, curtains, and shades over windows
• Stay away from exterior windows to prevent
  potential injury from flying glass

10
Evacuation

• Evacuation takes time
• when in doubt, begin with Shelter-In-Place
  protection
• Incidents involving flammable atmospheres and
  explosions require evacuation

11
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

12
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

13
Protective Action Distances

• Use NA ERG for initial protective action distances

14
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

15
Evacuation Concerns

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

16
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

17
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

18
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

19
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

20
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

21
Red Cross and Salvation Army

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

22
Working with the Media

• Public Information Officer (PIO)
• should be identified immediately
• provide direct liaison to the media for release
  of Emergency Broadcast messages

23
Authority to Order an Evacuation
24
Evacuation plan