If you are caught at the scene of a Hazardous Material incident (HAZMAT)
- If you see an incident, call 911. If possible, tell the call taker the name and/or number of the hazardous material (see the side column item titled “Identifying hazardous materials").
- Move uphill, upwind and upstream of the incident.
- Do not walk in or touch any spilled substance.
- Avoid inhaling gases, fumes or smoke.
- When possible, cover your mouth with a cloth while leaving.
- If you are exposed to hazardous materials, ask fire department personnel to decontaminate you before you leave.
Identifying Hazardous Materials
Vehicles carrying HAZMAT are required to display a placard (sign) that uses a system of numbers and words to identify the hazard class of the material being transported. Visit Hazardous_Materials_Markings_Labeling_and_Placarding_Guide.pdf (dot.gov) for more information.
