Hazardous materials can be toxic, explosive, flammable, radioactive, biologically hazardous, or otherwise harmful and have major health and environmental impacts.

There are five major sources of risk from hazardous materials in Sidney: 1) Road Transport, 2) Pipeline Transport, 3) Fixed Facilities, 4) Marine Transport, and 5) Air Transport.

A likely event may be from a road transport accident along the Pat Bay Highway, or the release of chemicals from an industrial area.

If you live or work within a kilometre of the Highway or industrial area, you should know how to do both of these actions: 1) Evacuate the area, and 2) Shelter in Place.

Evacuate – Often, the safest course when facing a chemical spill is to put some distance between you and the released material. Evacuation means moving to safe areas along safe routes. If time permits, emergency officials will identify these for you, and set up Reception Centres where you may go to receive shelter and further information.

Shelter-in-Place – Depending on the nature of the released hazardous materials and location of the incident, it may be better to stay indoors. The emergency officials will let you know if this is the case. To reduce the chance of a hazardous gas entering your building, close all windows and doors, turn off the air conditioning, and wait until you receive an “all clear” message from officials.

To find out more information on how to Shelter-in-Place go to this Government of Canada site: http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/knw/drn/drn-eng.aspx#a03

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Knowing what to do if you suspect that a spill has occurred is important.

· Talk with your family members, housing neighbours, and co-workers about the potential for evacuation or shelter-in-place.

· At the first sign of a release of hazardous materials, contact emergency services.

· Then, listen to the local radio to learn about the extent of the impacted area and safety information.

· Always follow the instructions of emergency officials advising to either evacuate the area or shelter-in-place.

· Stay clear of the area.