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During an Emergency

Chemical Spills

The city has a comprehensive plan for responding to chemical spills.  See the Dangerous Goods Spill Response Plan for more information.

Chemical Spills
Depending on the nature of the chemical spill, first responders may call for the evacuation of an area or instruct residents and businesses to shelter-in-place.

Evacuation
If you receive instructions to evacuate:

  1. Stay calm.
  2. Gather your family; take a neighbour or someone who needs help.
  3. Take essential items (diapers, baby food, clothes and money.) Leave a message on the door.
  4. Take critical items, such as medicine, purse or wallet, and keys, only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
  5. Turn off appliances (stove, lights, air conditioning and heaters.)
  6. Do not use more cars than you have to.
  7. Do not use the telephone unless you need immediate emergency service.
  8. Register with the designated reception centre so that you can reunite with family and loved ones.
  9. Keep the windows and vents in the car closed.

Shelter-in-Place
If you receive instructions to shelter in place:

  1. Get inside your home or other building as quickly as possible.
  2. Close all doors, windows, fireplaces, vents or other openings. Use duct tape foil or plastic wrap to seal leaks.
  3. Turn off all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Close vents.
  4. Do not use fireplaces. Close all dampers.
  5. Do not operate the clothes dryer. 
  6. Close drapes, curtains and shades. Stay away from external windows.
  7. Stay in an inside room away from windows and doors if possible.
  8. Use stairwells whenever possible. Limit the use of elevators.
  9. Use telephones only if you need immediate emergency service.
  10. Reduce or avoid smoking as it contaminates the air.
  11. Do not leave building until told to. 
  12. Turn on the radio or television for information.