Hazardous materials are incredibly dangerous! The Carbondale Fire Department would like to share the following tips on how to properly handle household chemicals from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA):
- Follow the instructions on the label for use and storage
- Don’t mix products. This can cause deadly gases or a fire
- Store products in their original containers
- Store anything that can catch on fire away from your home
- Only fill portable gasoline containers outdoors. Make sure to place the container on the ground before you fill it
- Never store materials that can cause a fire in the sun or near an open flame or heat source
- Store hazardous materials out of the reach of children and pets
- Use safety locks and guardrails on shelves and cabinets when you store materials. This will prevent them from falling or tipping
- Wear gloves or goggles when you use these materials
To track chemical spills and releases in Illinois, visit IEMA’s Hazardous Materials Incident Reports database: https://public.iema.state.il.us/FOIAHazmatSearch/ Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): www.Ready.Illinois.gov
For more information on the proper handling of household chemicals, please contact the Carbondale Fire Department at 618-457-3234.