Be Aware
Common Emergencies in Central Virginia
Household Chemical Emergencies
Although the risk of a chemical accident is slight, knowing how to handle household products containing hazardous materials or chemicals can reduce the risk of injury.
It is critical to store household chemicals in places where children cannot access them. Remember that products such as aerosol cans of hairspray and deodorant, nail polish and nail polish remover, toilet bowl cleaners and furniture polishes all fall into the category of hazardous materials.
Hazardous household chemicals may include:
- Cleaning products
- Pesticides
- Automotive products like antifreeze or motor oil
- Miscellaneous items like batteries, mercury thermometers and florescent light bulbs
- Flammable products like kerosene, home heating oil, propane tanks and lighter fluid
- Workshop or painting supplies such as paint thinners and turpentine
- Lawn and garden products like herbicides and insecticides
The EPA's Safer Choice program helps people find products that perform and are safer for human health and the environment. Learn more at the EPA website.
FEMA provides useful information to help people handle household chemicals safely. Visit FEMA's Ready.gov website and download their tip sheet for more information.