Hazardous chemical spills

The threat of a hazardous chemical spill is constant. A number of our industrial sites use and produce hazardous chemicals. Large quantities of chemicals are transported into and through Wanganui every day. The agricultural industry also uses and stores chemicals and pesticides throughout the Wanganui District.

What you can do to help yourself

When a hazardous spill has occurred:

If you are inside:

• Listen to your radio for advice and information.
• Stay inside unless told to evacuate.
• Make the area you are in as airtight as possible, with dry towels around doors and windows; block up the chimney.
• If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

If you are outside:

• Leave the affected area immediately.
• When leaving the area, wind up the windows of your vehicle and turn heaters and air vents off so air can't be drawn into the car.
• Listen to your radio for advice.

The continuous sounding of sirens, sited throughout Wanganui City, will give warning that an emergency is taking place.

Milk train derailment at Nukumaru, 17 January 2001

For more information about hazardous substances, go to www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/