Hazardous materials accidents may occur in a variety of ways and can involve an almost infinite number of different toxic or hazardous materials, each of which may have different characteristics, reactivities, levels of toxicity, and types of effects on human health. 

Types of hazardous material accidents include:

• Industrial accidents.
• Transportation accidents.
• Pipeline incidents.

The variety of potential accidents and materials makes it impossible to present comprehensive procedures in this general guideline. Nevertheless the basic procedures listed below are generally applicable.

In the event of a hazardous materials incident:

• Evacuate the area immediately
• Call 9-1-1 to report the incident
• Listen to instructions from local Fire officials