In a hazardous materials emergency, what action should you take first?

In a hazardous materials emergency, the first action to take is to call emergency services. This step is crucial because notifying the appropriate authorities ensures that professional responders, who are trained to handle such situations, can arrive quickly and address the emergency effectively. They can provide guidance on evacuation, containment, and other necessary actions to mitigate the risk to health and safety.

Engaging emergency services enables the situation to be assessed properly and allows for the implementation of protocols designed to protect both individuals on site and the community at large. Starting evacuation or any other action without guidance from emergency personnel can lead to confusion, unsafe conditions, and inadequate response to the specific hazards present.