Chemical incident (shelter in place)
A chemical leak, spill or fire has released dangerous fumes into the air near you.
Warning signs
- Official alert to shelter in place or evacuate
- Strange smell, cloud or haze
- Sirens or emergency services at an industrial site, rail line or road
Stay or go
Leave at once if told to, without passing through the contaminated area. If you cannot leave or are told to shelter, get inside, seal a room and stay until officials say it is safe.
Do now
- Get inside the nearest building and bring pets in.
- Close and lock outside doors and windows; close vents, fireplace dampers and inner doors.
- Turn off air conditioning and ventilation, or set it to full recirculation. (secure-6)
- Go to an interior room and seal gaps with duct tape and plastic sheeting.
- If outside, move quickly upwind away from the source.
Then
- Keep a radio on and follow official instructions. (comms-6)
- If fumes may have got in, breathe shallowly through a cloth.
- Do not eat or drink food or water that may be contaminated.
- If exposed, remove and bag clothing, wash with soap and water, flush eyes, and get medical checks.
- Stay sheltered until authorities say it is safe.
Related steps
Sources
- Hazardous materials incidents. Ready.gov (FEMA), accessed 2026-11