Public Safety
Kent State University Emergency Guide | Kent Campus
Kent State University Emergency Guide | Kent Campus
Part II: Natural Disasters and Public Emergencies
Hazardous materials come in four forms:During a Hazardous Materials Emergency
- Explosives
- Flammable and Combustible Substances
- Poisons
- Radioactive Materials
If instructed to evacuate:
- If possible, leave the affected area immediately in the direction upwind from the source
- If leaving safely is not possible, get indoors immediately and shelter-in-place. Do not leave the safety of shelter to assist others outdoors
- Follow the instructions given by university officials
- Do so immediately
- If available, monitor local broadcast media for emergency information on:
- evacuation routes
- temporary shelters
- procedures to follow
If outside:
- Follow the routes given by university, and other authorities – shortcuts and other routes may not be safe
- Carpool with others to minimize traffic congestion
- Assist those in need (children, elderly, disabled, persons without transportation)
If in a motor vehicle:
- Stay upwind, upstream, and uphill
- Try to go at least one-half mile from the source
- Avoid contact with spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits
- Avoid inhaling gases, fumes, and smoke covering the nose and mouth with cloth, if possible
- Avoid contact with exposed individuals until the hazardous material has been identified and interpersonal contact determined safe.
If indoors, shelter-in-place:
- Stop and seek shelter indoors
- If leaving the vehicle safely is not possible, close the windows and vents and keep the air conditioning and heater fan off.
Precautions for Exposure
- Close and lock all exterior doors and windows
- Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems
- Seal off air conditioners
- Seal the gap between the doors and the door frames with plastic sheeting and duct tape or a wet towel
- Seal the gap between the windows and window frames similarly
- If gas or vapors enter the building, take shallow breaths through a towel or cloth
- Avoid eating or drinking potentially contaminated substances
- When the emergency conditions have ended, ventilate the shelter with fresh air
If exposed to hazardous chemicals:Additional information is available on the following website:
- Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities
- Authorities may advise to shower thoroughly or to avoid contact with water and follow another procedure
- If experiencing symptoms of exposure, seek immediate medical attention
- Place contaminated clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers avoiding contact with other items
- Advise others with whom personal contact was made of the exposure so that they can also take precautions or seek medical treatment
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration at http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/
