Household Chemical Emergencies

Nearly every household uses products containing hazardous materials or chemicals. Knowing how to handle these products can reduce the risk of injury.

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Only store household chemicals in places children can't get to them.


Hazardous household chemicals may include:

  • Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant)Cleaning supply bottles on a floor
  • Nail polish and nail polish remover
  • Cleaning products and furniture polishes
  • Pesticides
  • Automotive products (like antifreeze or motor oil)
  • Miscellaneous items (like batteries, mercury thermometers and florescent light bulbs)
  • Flammable products (like kerosene, home heating oil, propane tanks and lighter fluid)
  • Workshop or painting supplies (such as paint thinners and turpentine)
  • Lawn and garden products (like herbicides and insecticides)

Store hazardous household chemicals safely

  • Only store household chemicals in places children can't get to them. Lock or childproof cabinets and storage areas if you have children in your home.
  • Keep products containing hazardous materials in their original containers and never remove the labels unless the container is corroding. Corroding containers should be repackaged and clearly labeled.
  • Never store hazardous products in food containers.
  • Never mix household hazardous chemicals or waste with other products. Some chemicals, such as chlorine bleach and ammonia, may react, ignite or explode.
  • Never use hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint products or pesticides near an open flame
  • Clean up any chemical spills immediately. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors, then dispose of the rags by wrapping them in a newspaper and placing them in a sealed plastic bag in your trash can.
  • Dispose of hazardous materials correctly
  • Properly dispose of chemicals when you no longer need them.  Chemicals, paints, and electronic materials can be accepted from County residents at the County Landfill, located at 3002 US Highway 421 North. The County also operates a mobile collection unit that visits  Visit the HazWagon website for more information.

Save the National Poison Control Center number in your cell phone and post it next to landlines in your home: 800-222-1222.

More information on Household Chemical Emergencies at Ready.gov in: