Duval County officials have prepared a plan for responding to and recovering from a release of hazardous or toxic materials. The Jacksonville/Duval County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: HAZARDOUS MATERIALS may be viewed by contacting the City of Jacksonville, Fire and Rescue Department, Emergency Preparedness Division, 515 Julia St., Jacksonville. Florida, 32202. 

Hazardous Material Preparedness

Hazardous substances may be in a liquid, gas, or solid form. Exposure to these chemicals can cause serious illness or death. State and local governments have established safety guidelines for protection in the event of a hazardous material accident. Emergency officials will provide timely, accurate information and instructions. Please heed their instructions.

If you are told to protect your breathing:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a large wet bath towel or cloth.

• Remain indoors until further notice.
• Close all doors and windows. Use masking tape or a damp towel to seal the opening, if possible. 
• Turn off all types of ventilation, unless otherwise instructed.
• Do not use fireplaces and close the damper. 
• Cover or refrigerate uncovered food. 
• Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for official information.

If you are told to evacuate:

• Lock all doors and windows. 
• Turn off appliances (except refrigerator) and faucets. 
• Take your pets with you. 
• Keep your car vents and windows closed. Do not use the heater or air conditioner.

Take the following items with you:

• Clothes for a few days. 
• Medicine or prescriptions you may need. 
• Toiletries (bar of soap, toothbrush, sanitary items) 
• Money (cash, credit cards) and important documents. 
• Baby needs such as formula and diapers
• Portable radio and extra batteries. 
• Follow all evacuation directions. 
• Remain calm.
  

If you have family in a nursing home or hospital:

• These facilities follow their own evacuation procedures, so please do not try to pick them up. 
• Check with these facilities in advance to determine their evacuation procedures. 
• Local radio and television stations will announce where patients are being moved.

If your children are in school:

• If your children are in school during an accident do not try to pick them up. They will be transported to pick up areas outside the affected area, if necessary. Local radio and television stations will announce when and where parents can pick up their children. School personnel will supervise and care for the children until parents pick them up.

If you have livestock:

• Place the animals in an enclosed shelter, if possible. 
• Leave plenty of water and food for several days. 
• Use stored feed if possible. 
• Stay tuned to a local radio or television station for further instructions.

If you grow food products:

• Do not eat or sell products. 
• Protective actions (such as washing or discarding) are specific to the crops affected and their maturity at the time of contamination.
• Tune to a local radio or television station for additional information. 
• Contact your local agriculture extension agent.

Florida State Emergency Response Commission for hazardous materials