What to Do in a Chemical Emergency

For Everyone

What to know

  • Certain chemicals can be harmful, but you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
  • If a chemical emergency happens, get away from the area, get the chemicals off, and get help.
  • Listen to authorities about whether it is safer to evacuate or shelter in place.
Emergency Response Plan

Overview

Get away, get the chemical off your body, get help.

If a chemical emergency happens, get away from the area, get the chemical off your body, and get help.

  • Get away from the area of the chemical release.
  • Get the chemical off your body as soon as possible.
  • Get help by calling the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 or calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital.

Steps to take

Get away

Get away from the area of the chemical release.

Inside

If you were exposed
  • If the chemical release is inside a building and you are exposed, go outside and get fresh air.
  • Quickly move as far away as possible from the area.
  • Take any pets with you.
If you were not exposed
  • If the chemical release is inside a building but you have not been exposed:
  • Listen for further instructions from local officials.
  • Keep any pets inside with you.

Outside

  • If the chemical release is outside, get away as far as possible from the area as you can. Listen to authorities about how to stay safe.
  • Stay upwind if possible.
  • Take any pets with you.

When to evacuate or shelter in place

In a chemical emergency, listen to the radio, television, mobile news app, or text message alerts to know if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Always follow the instructions of the police, fire, or other local officials.

Get the chemical off your body

  • Do not worry about what type of chemical it might be. Get the chemical off your body as soon as possible.
  • Undress and shower, if you are able, ideally in the first 10 minutes.
  • If you cannot undress and shower, wipe off as much of the chemical as you can.
Keep Reading About Getting Chemicals Off Your Body

Get help

  • Call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222, call 911, or go to the nearest hospital for treatment if you have been decontaminated, have any symptoms, or cannot get the chemical off.
  • You may need to be checked by a healthcare provider after breathing in the chemical or after getting the chemical off your body. Your pet may need to be checked by a veterinarian.
  • The healthcare provider or veterinarian will look for any harmful effects from having come in contact with the chemical.

Resources

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Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: September 16, 2024
Updated: July 22, 2026

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: July 22, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.