How do I seal a room during a chemical spill?

Choose an above-ground interior room with the fewest doors and windows. Close and lock exterior doors and windows, close vents and fireplace dampers, turn off air conditioning and ventilation, and seal gaps around doors, windows, and vents with plastic sheeting (2 to 4 mil thick works well) and duct tape. Wet towels work if you don't have sealing supplies on hand.

Should I shelter in place or evacuate during a chemical spill?

Follow instructions from local officials, since the right answer depends on the specific chemical and your location relative to it. CDC notes that leaving the area can sometimes be more dangerous than sealing off a space, and vice versa. Listen to the radio, a mobile alert, or official broadcasts for guidance.

Which direction should I move if I'm caught outside near a spill?

Move upwind of the source, away from the direction the wind is blowing from the spill. Avoid low-lying areas where heavier vapors can collect. If you're in a vehicle, keep windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.

What should I do if I was exposed to a chemical?

Remove contaminated clothing, cutting it off over the head rather than pulling it over your face to avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth. Seal it in a plastic bag, wash exposed skin with soap and water, and flush your eyes with water if they were affected. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance, or seek medical care for any unusual symptoms.

When is it safe to turn utilities back on after a chemical incident?

Only after local officials say it is safe, or a professional has confirmed there is no damage. Leave gas, water, and electricity main valves off in the meantime, and turn the water main back on only once you know the water system is not contaminated.

Chemical Spill Preparedness Checklist — Before, During & After

Phase 1

Before a chemical spill. Sealing supplies cut ahead of time save minutes that matter.

A chemical release can call for shelter-in-place or evacuation, and the correct response depends on the situation. Having your shelter room chosen and your sealing materials cut ahead of time means you're ready either way.

Home Protection

Precut plastic sheeting and tape for doors, windows, and vents, so you can seal an interior room quickly

Communications

Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on every phone in your household
Get a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio for when cell service fails

Evacuation

Pack a 72-hour bag for each person in your household: medication, a change of clothes, document copies, water, and a phone charger
Identify your household meeting point and one out-of-area contact
Map two evacuation routes out of your area

Medical

Get a complete first aid kit and check expiration dates yearly

Water

Store 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days, including pets

Phase 2

During a chemical spill. Follow official guidance on shelter or evacuate.

The right response depends on the chemical, the wind, and your location. Local officials have information you don't, so following their instructions matters more than guessing.

If You Shelter in Place

Go inside quickly, bringing pets with you, and choose an above-ground room with the fewest doors and windows
Close and lock exterior doors and windows, close vents and fireplace dampers, and turn off air conditioning and ventilation
Seal gaps around doors, windows, and vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Wet towels work if you don't have sealing supplies on hand
Take shallow breaths through a cloth or towel if gas or vapor may have entered the building, and stay put until officials say it's safe

If You Need to Evacuate

If the spill is indoors, get out without passing through the contaminated area if possible
Move upwind of the source, away from low-lying areas where heavier vapors can collect
If you're in a vehicle, keep windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater
Avoid contact with spilled liquid, mist, or residue. Don't attempt to identify or contain the spill yourself

Phase 3

After a chemical spill. Decontaminate first, then wait for the all-clear.

If exposure happened, addressing it correctly matters more than rushing. Once that's handled, restoring your home is a matter of patience and following official guidance.

If You Were Exposed

Remove contaminated clothing, cutting it off over the head rather than pulling it over your face, and seal it in a plastic bag
Wash exposed skin with soap and water, and flush your eyes with water if they were affected
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance, or seek medical care for any unusual symptoms

Returning to Normal

Don't leave your shelter room, or return home if you evacuated, until local officials confirm it's safe
Leave gas, water, and electricity main valves off until you're told it's safe, or have a professional check for damage first
Stay away from any area marked as a hazard, and report anything unusual to local authorities

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Chemical Spill Checklist. Before, during, and after.