Household Chemical Emergencies

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

Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant)
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)

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.

Get out immediately if there is danger of fire or explosion.
Stay upwind and away from the residence to avoid breathing toxic fumes.
Recognize and respond to symptoms of toxic poisoning:
- Difficulty breathing
- Irritation of the eyes, skin, throat or respiratory tract
- Changes in skin color
- Headache or blurred vision
- Dizziness, clumsiness or lack of coordination
- Cramps or diarrhea
If someone is experiencing toxic poisoning symptoms or has been exposed to a household chemical, call the National Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
Follow the emergency operator or dispatcher’s first aid instructions carefully. The first aid advice found on containers may be out of date or inappropriate. Do not give anything by mouth unless advised to do so by a medical professional.

Discard clothing that may have been contaminated. Some chemicals may not wash out completely.
Secure any other containers that have not been involved in this incident and store them safely.
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.