Rocket/Missile Launch Accidents
Material Safety Data Sheets
Hazardous Waste
Radiological

Hazardous Materials are any substances that pose risks to humans, animals and the environment. These materials can be corrosives, explosives, flammable solids/liquids/gases, combustibles, poisons, oxidizers, radioactive or biological substances. Hazardous materials can be released by vehicle accidents, railroad mishaps, marine shipping incidents, plane crashes, chemical leaks & spills, fires and rocket launch anomalies. If there is an emergency in your area, you will be warned by the news media and local authorities. Follow the directions carefully. You may be asked to take one of three actions:

 1. If told to "PROTECT YOUR BREATHING":

• Cover your nose and mouth with a damp handkerchief, rag or towel and seek shelter.
• If in an automobile, turn off A/C or heater, close windows, vents and do not drive into the affected area.
• Listen to the radio for information updates and stay out of the area until an "All Clear" is broadcast.

 2. If told to "SHELTER IN PLACE":

• Go inside and stay there until radio/TV stations broadcast an "All Clear".
• Bring in and keep pets inside.
• Close all door and windows. Seal with masking tape or wet towels.
• Turn OFF heating/air conditioning.
• Do not use fireplaces - close damper.
• Listen to radio/TV for instructions as this procedure may be in effect for several hours.

 3. If told to "EVACUATE":

• Stay as calm as possible and gather your Disaster Supply Kit items.
• Turn OFF lights and appliances, but leave your refrigerator and freezer ON.
• When you leave, place a towel or rag on front door handle (indicates evacuation).
• Keep your car vents and windows closed. Do not use the air conditioner or heater.
• If you need transportation, go with a neighbor, friend or relative or ask Law Enforcement for assistance if nothing else is available.

 4. If you have a family member in a nursing home or hospital:

• These facilities follow their own evacuation and shelter procedures. Do not try to pick up your relative.
• Check with these facilities in advance to determine their evacuation procedures.
• Local radio and TV will announce if and where patients are being moved.

 5. If your children are in school:

• If your children are in school during an incident, please do not try to pick them up. They will be transported to pickup areas outside the affected area, if necessary. Local radio and TV will announce when and where parents can pick up their children. School personnel will supervise and care for the children until the parents pick them up.

6. If you have livestock:

• Place the animals in a enclosed shelter, if possible.
• Leave plenty of water and food for several days.
• Use stored feed if possible.
• Tune to local radio and TV for further instructions.

 7. 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.
• Tune to local radio and TV for additional instructions.
• Contact your local agricultural extension agent for more information.

8.  If you see an accident/incident that may involve hazardous materials, DIAL "911". Report what you have seen and let the authorities handle the situation. DO NOT APPROACH A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SCENE. YOU MAY ENDANGER YOUR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

9.  HAZARDOUS WASTE is spent or used hazardous materials, and in most cases are just as dangerous. Sometimes, these chemicals are disposed of illegally, such as abandoned on parking lots, behind buildings, roadsides, and in the woods/fields. DO NOT approach or handle, CALL "911" IMMEDIATELY!

 10. Brevard County Fire Rescue maintains a Specialized Response Team (SRT) 24 hours a day, for hazardous materials incidents. Report any such incidents to "911".