In Case of Fire
Whenever pesticides are involved in fires, there are potential hazards from toxic fumes, poisonous runoff and release of concentrated pesticides from leaking or exploding containers.
If a fire occurs at the residence where pesticides are stored:
- Vacate the Area: Clear the area of people and animals and evacuate them upwind of the fire.
- Call the Fire Department: The fire department must be called immediately.
- Make it clear that pesticides are on the property and provide as much information as possible on the specific pesticides involved. If necessary, call police to control traffic, and get medical aid to deal with cases of pesticide exposure.
- Alert medical personnel: About possible cases of poisoning in fire fighters or bystanders who may be exposed to pesticides from the fire.
Storage tips:
- Ideally, gas should be stored in a ventilated non-flammable storage cabinet. Most importantly, check the label directions for storage and disposal information. Store in a shed or garage away from the house if possible.
- Do not store flammable pesticides close to heaters.
- Do not use open flames in pesticide storage areas. (For example, don’t do welding in a garage workshop where you have a flammable pesticide stored.)
- If you store flammable pesticides, have a fire extinguisher on site. Do not store pesticides next to other flammable products kept at home, such as lawnmower gasoline.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on site.