Rankin County is 1 of only a few counties in Mississippi certified by the National Weather service as a StormReady community.
StormReady communities are better
prepared to save lives from the onslaught of severe weather through better planning, education, and awareness.
No community is storm proof, but StormReady communities
can help save lives through proper planning and education. Rankin County’s StormReady status was recently recertified through 2010.
Hazardous Materials
How to Prepare for Hazardous Materials Emergencies
Chemicals are a natural and important part of our daily lives. When HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) accidents occur, they involve substances that present a danger to people and the environment.
HAZMAT scenes can be as small as a fuel spill caused by a one care incident to as large as an accident at a manufacturing facility dealing with thousands of gallons of chemicals. Locally,
the most common HAZMAT incidents deal with fuel spills as the result of automobile accidents. No matter how small or large a HAZMAT incident may be, there are basic rules you should follow
when dealing with dangerous substances.
If you see an incident that involves potentially dangerous materials, call 911 immediately.
DO NOT go “check out” the incident scene. Incidents involving HAZMAT substances could potentially be very harmful to you.
Follow instructions given by local emergency officials during HAZMAT emergencies. You may be asked to shelter in place or to evacuate a specified area.
Remember, you may be exposed to chemicals even though you may not be able to see or smell anything unusual. Exposure to potentially harmful chemicals can occur by:
Breathing the chemical
Swallowing contaminated food or water
Touching the chemical, or coming into contact with clothing or other items that have touched the chemical.
If you are told to Shelter in Place
Go inside until local authorities say it is safe to leave.
Close all doors and windows. Seal gaps around windows and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, stoves and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting,
wax paper or aluminum wrap.
Close off non-essential rooms such as storage areas, laundry rooms, and extra bedrooms.
Turn off heating and cooling systems, including kitchen, bathroom, and attic fans.
Do not use fireplaces. Put out the fire and close the dampers.
Extinguish the pilot light on your water heater, gas stove and furnace.
Bring pets inside.
Listen to local radio and television stations for further instructions.
If you are told to evacuate
Close and lock windows, exterior doors and the damper on your fireplace.
Turn off clothes dryer, ventilation fans, and air conditioners.
Take your family emergency supplies kit with you.
Help neighbors who may require assistance.
Drive to one of the shelters designated by public officials following the routes recommended by officials.
Listen to local television and radios for additional instructions.
Chemicals are a natural and important part of our daily lives. When HAZMAT (Hazardous Material) accidents occur, they involve substances that present a danger to people and the environment.
HAZMAT scenes can be as small as a fuel spill caused by a one care incident to as large as an accident at a manufacturing facility dealing with thousands of gallons of chemicals. Locally,
the most common HAZMAT incidents deal with fuel spills as the result of automobile accidents. No matter how small or large a HAZMAT incident may be, there are basic rules you should follow
when dealing with dangerous substances.
