It's a New Day in Public Health.
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- After the Storm
- Disaster Supply Kit
- Evacuate or Stay at Home?
- Hazardous Materials...Are You Prepared?
- Helping Children Cope with Disasters
- In the Event of Terrorism
- Pet Plan
- Preparing for a Hurricane
- Preparing for Emergencies for People with Mobility Problems
- Protecting Your Family From Fire
- Special Needs Shelters
- Tornado Safety Tips
Hazardous Materials...Are You Prepared?
Emergency Preparedness
- 321-690-6488
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Mailing Address
2565 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
There are thousands of substances defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as chemicals which represent a physical or health hazard. Approximately 360 of these substances are classified as "extremely hazardous".
Extremely hazardous substances can be in liquid, gas, or solid form. Exposure to these chemicals can cause serious illness or death. Some examples of extremely hazardous substances and their common use include:
Adiponitrile (insecticide) | Nitric acid (for etching steel) |
Ammonia (fertilizer) | Paraquat (herbicide) |
Chlorine (disinfectant) | Phenol (disinfectant) |
Formaldehyde (preservative) | Sulfuric acid (used in batteries) |
Hydroquinone (photo developer) | Sulfur Dioxide (food additive) |
Methyl Bromide (refrigerant) | Dry cleaning materials |
For Your Protection
If you are told to protect your breathing:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a large wet bath towel or cloth.
If you are told to stay indoors:
- Remain indoors until further notice.
- Close all doors and windows. Use masking tape or a damp towel to seal the opening, if possible.
- Turn off all types of ventilation, unless otherwise instructed.
- Do not use fireplaces and close the dampers.
- Cover or refrigerate any uncovered food.
- Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for official information.
If you are told to evacuate:
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Turn off appliances (except refrigerator) and faucets.
- Enact your pet plan.
- Keep your car vents and windows closed. Do not use the heater or air conditioner. Drive carefully.
- Bring items from your disaster supply kit.
If you have family in a nursing home or hospital:
These facilities have their own evacuation procedures, so please do not try to pick up your relative. Check in advance with the facility to determine their evacuation procedures. Local radio and television stations will announce where patients are being moved.
If your children are in school:
If you have livestock:
- Place the animals in an enclosed shelter, if possible.
- Leave plenty of food and water for several days.
- Tune to a local radio or television station for further instructions.
If you grow food products:
- Do not eat or sell products.
- Protective actions (such as washing, discarding, etc.) are specific to the crops affected and their maturity at the time of contamination.
- For more information, contact your local agricultural extension agent.
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