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APRIL IS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY MONTH

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Hazardous materials can pose serious risks if not handled or stored properly. In recognition of Hazardous Materials Safety Month, the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency is sharing important safety tips for handling common household chemicals, provided by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

County residents are encouraged to follow these safety guidelines when using hazardous household materials:

• Follow the instructions on the label for use and storage
• Don’t mix products. This can cause deadly gases or a fire
• Store products in their original containers
• Store anything that can catch on fire away from your home
• Only fill portable gasoline containers outdoors. Make sure to place the container on the ground before you fill it
• Never store materials that can cause a fire in the sun or near an open flame or heat source
• Store hazardous materials out of the reach of children and pets
• Use safety locks and guardrails on shelves and cabinets when you store materials. This will prevent them from falling or tipping
• Wear gloves or goggles when you use these materials

Common hazardous household materials may include:

• 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)

By taking a few simple precautions, residents can significantly reduce the risk of fires, injuries, and environmental harm caused by these hazardous household materials. The Effingham County Emergency Management Agency encourages everyone to stay informed, remain vigilant, and make safety a priority not just during Hazardous Materials Safety Month, but all year long.

For more information and additional safety resources, go to the Ready.gov page on hazardous household materials, https://www.ready.gov/household-chemical-emergencies

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