What action should be taken during a hazardous materials emergency?

In a hazardous materials emergency, the first action to take is to notify authorities and secure the area. This approach prioritizes safety and ensures that trained professionals can respond effectively to the incident. Notifying authorities, such as hazardous materials response teams and emergency services, allows for proper assessment and deployment of resources needed to manage the situation safely.

Securing the area helps prevent unauthorized access, protecting both first responders and the general public from potential exposure to hazardous substances. It creates a controlled environment where responders can implement safety measures without the risk of interference or additional danger from onlookers or untrained individuals.

Other options might involve actions that could lead to greater risk. For instance, attempting to extinguish fires without proper training or equipment could exacerbate the situation, and continuing normal operations could expose individuals to danger while ignoring the imminent risk is dangerous and irresponsible. Ensuring everyone remains at a safe distance while experts handle the emergency is critical for successful mitigation.