Hazardous Materials

With the enactment of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986, Congress imposed upon state and local governments additional planning and preparedness requirements for emergencies involving the release of hazardous materials. In compliance with these requirements, Orange County officials have prepared a plan for use in responding to and recovering from a release of hazardous or toxic materials from those facilities that are subject to the requirements of the act. The Orange County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS is but a part of the all hazards approach Orange County has taken in handling any type of situation that can effect our citizens. Residents of Orange County are vulnerable to the harmful effects of the accidental release of hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are transported through the county by air, rail, and highway means. Orange Counties position as a major crossroads for both rail and highway traffic through Central Florida creates a high potential for a hazardous material accident. Interstate 4, one of the two major north/south east/west highways for the state, spans the entire length of the county and passes through the downtown business district. The Sunshine State Parkway, is the major northwest/southeast route from north Florida to southeast Florida, and passes just to the southwest of the downtown business district. Orange County contains a major railroad intersection and loading and off-loading point. Orange County is also the location of the Orlando International Airport one of the largest international airports in the state. Throughout Orange County there are a number of private and public facilities which produce, store and/or use hazardous materials.

Emergencies involving hazardous materials can be postulated as ranging from a minor emergency with no off-site effects to a major emergency that may result in an off-site release of hazardous/toxic materials. The overall objective of chemical emergency response planning and preparedness is to minimize exposure for a spectrum of emergencies that could produce off-site levels of contamination in excess of LOC's established by the EPA. Minimizing this exposure will reduce the consequence of a hazardous material incident.

Hazardous Material Preparedness

Hazardous substances may be in a liquid, gas, or solid form. Exposure to these chemicals can cause serious illness or death. State and local governments have established minimal safety guidelines for citizen protection in the event of a hazardous material accident. Emergency officials will provide timely, accurate information and instructions. Please heed their instructions.

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 of all types of ventilation, unless otherwise instructed.
- Do not use fireplaces and close the damper.
- Cover or refrigerate 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.
Leave pets inside your home with plenty of food and water. Do not take pets to a reception center or shelter.
Keep your car vents and windows closed. Do not use the heater or air conditioner.

Take the following items with you...

Clothes for a few days.
Medicine or prescriptions you may need.
Toiletries (bar of soap, toothbrush, sanitary items, etc...)
Money (cash, credit cards) and important documents.
Baby needs such as formula, diapers, etc...
Portable radio and extra batteries.
Follow all evacuation directions.
Remain calm.

If you have family in a nursing home or hospital...

These facilities follow their own evacuation procedures, so please do not try to pick them up.
Check with these facilities in advance to determine their evacuation procedures.
Local radio and television stations will announce where patients are being moved.

If your children are in school...

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

If you have livestock...

Place the animals in an enclosed shelter, if possible.
Leave plenty of water and food for several days.
Use stored feed if possible.
Stay tuned 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.
Tune to a local radio or television station for additional information.
Contact your local agriculture extension agent.

If you experience technical difficulties with this page, or have questions related to viewing this site, please contact the Orange County webmaster. For all other questions and comments, please contact Orange County's Government Service Center. Thank you.

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