Hazardous Materials

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Hazardous Materials

People use chemicals for a variety of purposes everyday. It is important to know that chemicals can be hazardous if used or released improperly. Chemical Hazards can occur during production, storage, transportation, usage, or disposal of chemical substances. You and the citizens of Sargent County could be at risk if a chemical is used unsafely or released in harmful amounts into our communities.

Hazardous materials can cause devastating effects such as death, adverse health effects, serious injury, and even damage to buildings or other property.

According to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services Website, "Hazardous materials are any substances that pose a risk to safety, health, the environment or property and may cause death, serious injury, long-lasting health effects and property damage. Businesses and industry including agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, coal mining and petroleum and natural gas extraction rely on the production, use, storage and transportation of hazardous materials. These products are shipped daily on North Dakota highways, railways and pipelines."

How do I Protect Myself?

You can help protect yourself in the event of a Hazardous Material Incident by going to the below websites and educating yourself on what to do before, during, and after a chemical emergency event.

The FEMA website has extremely good information on what to do before, during, and after a Hazardous Material Incident.

The ready.gov website has some good information about what to do in the event of a chemical attack and also has excellent information on how to prepare for an emergency.