Hazardous Materials

• Build a household emergency kit. Include plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors to be prepared to shelter-in-place during a hazardous materials incident.
• Call 811 before you start any digging project.
• Sign up for emergency alerts.

• Monitor emergency alerts and listen to local radio and television stations for detailed instructions.
• Know how to operate your home or building's ventilation system.
• Identify an above-ground shelter room with as few openings as possible.

If You Are Asked to Evacuate

• Leave immediately and follow instructions.
• Stay tuned to emergency alerts and local media for evacuation routes, shelters, and other procedures.
• If you have time, close all windows, shut off vents, and turn off fans to minimize contamination inside your household.
• Take your emergency evacuation kit.
• If it is safe to do so, assist neighbors who might need extra help, such as individuals with access and functional needs, seniors, and families with small children.

If You Are Asked to Stay Indoors

• Bring pets inside
• Close and lock exterior doors and windows. Close vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible.
• Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems, or set ventilation systems to 100% air recirculation so no outside air is drawn into the building.
• If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths and cover your nose and mouth with a mask or a damp cloth.
• Do not eat or drink anything.
• Go into your pre-selected shelter room. Shut the door, and use plastic sheeting and duct tape to cover and seal all doors, windows, and vents. If you do not have plastic sheeting or duct tape, try to seal gaps with wet towels.

If You Are Outside

• Stay upstream, uphill,  and upwind of any hazardous materials incident. Leave the area if it is safe to do so.
• Do not touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits. Try not to inhale gases, fumes, or smoke. Cover your nose and mouth with cloth, if possible.
• Stay away from and do not touch or try to help any accident victims in a hazardous materials scene.

If You Are In A Vehicle

• Stop and seek shelter in a building.
• If you must remain in your vehicle, keep doors, windows, and air vents shut and turn off the air conditioner or the heater.

• Monitor emergency alerts and local media.
• Follow issued decontamination instructions.
• Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms as soon as possible.
• Place exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers.
• Return to your building when authorities tell you it is safe to do so. Open up windows and vents and turn on fans to circulate fresh air.
• Call 9-1-1 to report any lingering vapors or other hazards.

Trash, Recycling & Compost
Information about disposing of hazardous materials in Kirkland.

Hazardous Waste Disposal
Information about property identifying and disposing of hazardous materials or hazardous waste.

Know What's Below. Call 811 Before You Dig
Call 811 a few days before a digging project to notify local utility companies to mark buried lines.

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
The King County LEPC is responsible for providing information about chemicals in the community to local residents.

Chemical Emergency Information
Information from FEMA about chemical emergency preparedness and safety.

Bioterrorism Information
Information from FEMA about bioterrorism attack preparedness and safety.

Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD) Information
Information about RDD preparedness and safety.

Nuclear Explosion Information
Information from FEMA about nuclear explosion preparedness and safety.