Special Cases

Be ready for the unexpected as some emergencies are rare, others are new or without warning, or something you never heard of before.

Chemicals, radiation and other dangerous substances Pollution & Cyber attacks

What is a Special Case Emergency?

A special case emergency is an emergency that does not fit neatly into common categories (like fires, floods, or medical emergencies) and requires unique procedures, special equipment, or specially trained responders.

A special case emergency usually involves unusual or complex hazards that require special response plans, may affect many people at once, and needs coordination between multiple organizations.

Examples of special case emergencies:

Chemical or hazardous materials incidents
Biological emergencies (disease outbreaks)
Radiological or nuclear incidents
Terrorism-related incidents
Mass casualty events
Civil disturbances
Search and rescue operations
Severe infrastructure failures (dam collapse, major power grid failure)

What are chemical and hazardous materials incidents?

Chemical and hazardous materials incidents are events where dangerous substances are released, spilled, leaked, or improperly used, posing a risk to people, property, or the environment.

What counts as a chemical or hazardous material?

These materials can be:

Toxic (poisonous to humans or animals)
Flammable or explosive
Corrosive (can burn skin or damage materials)
Radioactive
Environmentally harmful

Preparing for chemical and hazardous materials incidents

Learn the risks in your area

Know if nearby factories, labs, farms, railways, or highways transport chemicals

Learn basic hazard warning symbols (toxic, flammable, corrosive)

Know warning signs and alerts

Sirens, public announcements, texts, or school alerts may warn of a release

Strong or unusual smells, visible clouds, or sudden illness can be signs

Always follow official instructions immediately

Make an emergency plan

Know evacuation routes and safe shelter locations if any.

Decide how family members will communicate if separated

Identify a trusted meeting place

Prepare an emergency supply kit

Water and non-perishable food

First aid supplies

Prescribed Medicines.

Masks or clothes to cover mouth and nose

Gloves

Flashlight and batteries

Phone charger or power bank

During a Chemical & Hazardous Materials Incident: Take Action

During a chemical & hazardous materials incident, taking the right actions immediately can greatly reduce harm.

Stay calm and follow instructions

Listen to teachers, emergency responders, or officials
Follow alerts from sirens, announcements, or messages
Do not panic or run unless you are told to evacuate

Shelter in place (if instructed)

Go inside immediately
Close all doors and windows
Turn off fans, air conditioners, and vents
Move to an interior room, away from windows
Stay put until officials say it is safe

Evacuate (only if told to do so)

Leave the area quickly and calmly
Follow designated evacuation routes
Do not return until authorities give permission

Protect yourself

Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth or mask if needed
Avoid chemical clouds, spills, or strong smells
Do not touch unknown liquids, powders, or containers

If exposed to chemicals

Wash exposed skin with soap and water
Remove contaminated clothing if told to do so
Avoid rubbing eyes or skin
Get medical help if you feel unwell

Stay informed

Keep listening for updates
Do not spread rumors
Use phones only if necessary to keep lines open

📢 Key reminder

Your safety comes first. Stay calm. Follow official alerts only., protect yourself, and wait for the all-clear.

Safety After a Chemical & Hazardous Materials Incident

Wait for the all-clear

Do not return until authorities say it is safe
Follow instructions from emergency responders or officials

Avoid contaminated areas

Stay away from spill sites or damaged containers
Do not touch unknown substances

Clean yourself safely

Wash with soap and water
Change into clean clothes
Bag exposed clothing if instructed

Watch for symptoms

Coughing, dizziness, nausea, skin irritation
Report symptoms to a trusted adult or medical staff

Ventilate only when allowed

Open windows only when officials allow
Restart ventilation systems when permitted

Follow cleanup instructions

Do not clean spills yourself
Let trained teams handle it

Get support

Talk to a trusted adult if stressed
Support is important after incidents

📢 Safety doesn’t end when the incident stops — follow instructions and protect your health.

Cyber Attack Emergency

Warning Signs that you need to know
Power or internet suddenly stops
Fake emergency messages or emails
Phone or computer locked
Bank or service apps not working
What to Do
Do not click unknown links
Use official government channels for updates
Disconnect affected devices from the internet
Save important information safely
Follow instructions from authorities
Do Not
Share unverified messages
Pay money to online attackers
Spread screenshots or panic messages

Key Reminder:

Think before you click. Verify before you share.

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES 999

Stay calm … stay safe
Help children, elderly, and persons with disabilities
Call emergency services if needed
Trust official information only

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