Hazardous Materials Incident

Any material that can explode, start a fire, be poisonous or radioactive is considered hazardous. There are several precautions in place to ensure hazardous materials are used, stored, and moved safely in Tukwila. However, accidents can happen.

Emergency personnel can manage small spills with few impacts to the public, but if there is a large chemical spill or release, emergency officials will tell you what to do to stay safe.

• Follow this link for more tips and info on HazMat Incidents.

Common Business Types that use Hazardous Materials:

• Hospitals/Medical Clinics
• Schools
• Metal Plating and Finishing
• Aircraft Manufacturing
• Public Utilities
• Aircraft Manufacturing
• Cold Storage Companies
• Technology Firms
• Fuel Industry
• Chemical Distributors

During a Hazardous Materials Incident

Stay informed and do what officials say

• Call 911 to report the incident.
• If you are in the immediate area of the spill, follow the instructions of the first responders.
• Check local news for updates.
• Follow the City of Tukwila’s Facebook Page and the Tukwila Fire Department Facebook.
• Sign up for Alert King County to receive emergency notifications

Shelter in Place if Officials tell you to

• Go inside as quickly as possible.
• Bring pets and children inside.
• Go to a room with the least number of doors and windows.
• Turn off air conditioners and fans.
• Seal openings in windows, doors, air conditioning units, exhaust fans, and stove/dryer vents.
• Stay in place until officials say it’s safe or “all clear.”

Evacuate if officials tell you to

• If there is a spill indoors, try to get out of the building without exposing yourself to the material.
• Once outside, stay upwind of the incident area.
• Follow the instructions of officials and first responders.
• Return only when authorities say is safe

Act Quickly if you are Exposed to Hazardous Chemicals

WA Poison Center Phone Number: 800-222-1222

• If there is a danger of fire or explosion, get out of the house immediately.
• Call 9-1-1 once you are safely away from the danger.
• Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities. You may be advised to take a thorough shower, or to stay away from water and follow some other procedure.
• Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as possible.
• Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers. Do not allow them to contact other materials. Call local authorities to find out proper cleaning or disposal methods.