A chemical emergency occurs when a hazardous chemical has been released and the release has the potential for harming people’s health. Chemical releases can be unintentional, as in the case of an industrial accident, or intentional, as in the case of a terrorist attack.

Some chemicals that are hazardous have been developed by military organizations for use in warfare. Examples are nerve agents such as sarin, mustards, and choking agents. It might be possible for terrorists to get these chemical warfare agents and use them to harm people.

Many hazardous chemicals are used in industry (for example, chlorine, ammonia, and benzene). These types of hazardous chemicals also could be obtained and used to harm people, or they could be accidentally released.

In the event of a chemical emergency in Fremont County, residents may be asked to evacuate or it may be safer for you to stay indoors than to go outside. You will hear from the local emergency coordinators on local radio or emergency radio (NOAA) and/or television emergency broadcast system if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Act quickly and follow the instructions.

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