|
Red Cross Responds to North Carolina Chemical Fires
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, Redcross.org
Friday, October 06, 2006 — Thousands were forced to evacuate the small town of Apex, N.C., early Friday morning after a fire broke out late Thursday evening at a nearby hazardous materials plant. More than 17,000 residents received evacuation orders in fear of noxious fumes.
By late Friday morning, rain fell over the Raleigh suburb as a cloud of smoke lingered from the blaze. Officials indicated that the rain could help clear the air of any impurities and are hopeful that residents will be able to return home soon.
The American Red Cross responded in the early hours of Friday morning as the Triangle Area Chapter opened two shelters and welcomed more than 300 overnight guests. As the night wore on, the Red Cross consolidated the two shelters into one at Green Hope High School. Oversight of the community response was shifted to Wake County officials and the chapter remains on standby throughout the day.
“Although the disaster took place in an area served by the Triangle Area Chapter, many other North Carolina chapters have taken the initiative and pitched in to help,” said Jana Zehner, a spokesperson for the American Red Cross.
Several Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) were in the area Friday morning and will remain to serve snacks and beverages to response workers and firefighters working to extinguish the flames. A few residents who had not been evacuated even came to the shelter to see what they could do to help.
“There was a real sense of community among those in the shelters,” observed Zehner. “Neighbors were looking out for one another and everyone remained positive and calm.”
Sheltering-in-Place
One of the instructions that may be given in an emergency where hazardous materials have been released into the atmosphere is to shelter-in-place. Sheltering-in-place, or sealing the room, is a precaution to minimize exposure to hazardous materials outside by remaining indoors. This does not necessarily mean going to a in shelter in case of an emergency, or staying at home during a natural disaster such as a winter storm. Follow these steps if instructed by officials to shelter-in-place at home:
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
- If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.
- Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
- Close the fireplace damper.
- Get your disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio is working.
- Go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
- Bring your pets with you, and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
- It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
- Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
- Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
If you think that you or someone you know has been exposed to a toxic chemical, call 9-1-1, a poison control center or EMS. Follow their instructions precisely as your life may depend on it.
The American Red Cross urges everyone to take steps now to be prepared for the unexpected. For more information on chemical emergencies, contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit the "Get Prepared" section of the American Red Cross public Web site, Redcross.org.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
Related Links:
Related Content:
|
