Hazardous Materials

Know the Risk

Skagit County’s transportation network, agricultural areas, industrial facilities, and businesses all use or move materials that can become hazardous if they are released.

Hazardous materials may be transported on major roadways such as Interstate 5 and State Route 20, as well as by rail and marine transportation. Because hazardous materials can be present throughout the county, an incident is not limited to communities near large industrial facilities. 

The danger from a release depends on:

• The type and amount of material released
• Whether the substance is toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive
• Wind and weather conditions
• Your distance and direction from the incident
• Whether you are indoors, outdoors, or traveling nearby

You may not be able to see or smell a hazardous substance, so do not use your senses to decide whether an area is safe. Follow official instructions.

Hazardous Materials Planning in Skagit County

Skagit County works with local fire departments, emergency responders, businesses, industry, and other partners through the Skagit County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Businesses that store certain quantities of hazardous materials are required to report that information for emergency planning purposes. 

Skagit County LEPC Information

Before an Incident

Prepare now so you are ready to either shelter in place or evacuate.

• Sign up for Skagit Ready Alerts.
• Identify an interior room with few or no windows where you could shelter in place.
• Learn how to turn off heating, cooling, ventilation, bathroom fans, and other systems that bring outdoor air inside.
• Keep an emergency kit and go bag ready.
• Include medications, chargers, pet supplies, important documents, and other essentials.
• Know multiple ways to leave your neighborhood or workplace.
• Make a plan for children, older adults, pets, and anyone who may need additional assistance.

If Told to Shelter in Place

Go indoors immediately and bring pets inside.

• Close and lock exterior doors and windows.
• Turn off fans and systems that bring outdoor air inside.
• Close fireplace dampers if applicable.
• Move to an interior room with few or no windows.
• Take your phone, charger, medications, and emergency supplies with you.
• Keep pets inside.
• Continue monitoring official information.
• Remain indoors until officials say it is safe to leave.

Do not leave simply because you can see emergency vehicles or activity outside. Follow the instructions provided for your specific area.

If Told to Evacuate

Leave promptly and follow the route or destination provided by emergency officials.

• Take your go bag, medications, identification, and essential supplies.
• Bring pets if you can do so safely.
• Follow designated evacuation routes.
• Avoid closed roads and emergency-response areas.
• Do not drive toward a spill, fire, vapor cloud, or unknown material.
• Continue monitoring official information after leaving the area.

If You Think You Were Exposed

Chemical exposure can happen by breathing a substance, getting it on your skin or eyes, or swallowing it.

If you believe you were exposed:

• Move away from the source of the chemical.
• Follow emergency instructions.
• Remove contaminated clothing if directed or if a chemical is on your clothing.
• Wash exposed skin with clean water when appropriate.
• Avoid touching contaminated items.
• Seek medical help if you have symptoms or are concerned about exposure.

Call 911 for a medical emergency.

For poison-related questions or exposure concerns, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

After

Wait for the official all-clear. Do not open windows or go outside until emergency management issues an all-clear. Chemical hazards may not be visible or detectable by smell at dangerous concentrations.

Ventilate your home. Once cleared, open windows and doors and run ventilation for at least 30 minutes before resuming normal activity.

Seek medical attention if needed. If you experience eye irritation, difficulty breathing, skin redness, or other symptoms after a Hazmat event, seek medical attention.