Discovery of hazardous chemicals: coordinate quickly and reassure the public
The discovery of hazardous chemicals has forced the immediate evacuation of an entire neighbourhood. CrisisRadar is helping RIVM, the Ministry of Defence’s EOD unit, the fire service and local authorities to coordinate their efforts swiftly and communicate health risks clearly.
What happens
Mustard gas and dozens of other chemical substances are discovered in a basement storage unit. Fifty homes, housing 110 residents, are immediately evacuated. Specialists from the Ministry of Defence’s EOD unit arrive on the scene, the fire service crisis centre is activated, and the chemical expertise of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is required. Residents are shocked: they realise they have been living next to a ticking time bomb for years. Within 45 minutes, the experts must be coordinating their efforts, the residents safely evacuated and the health risks clearly explained. Various services, each with their own protocols, must work together.
From alert to clear communication
Bringing in the right experts
Identify the type of substance and immediately involve the RIVM, the Ministry of Defence’s EOD unit and the fire service to carry out a risk assessment.
Safe evacuation
Determine the perimeter based on the nature of the substance and the direction of the wind, and direct residents to shelters via safe routes.
Explaining risks clearly
Communicate calmly about health risks, the clean-up and a safe return.
Who collaborates in this scenario
CrisisRadar brings all the parties involved into line, with a single shared situational picture.
- Specialist help on the scene more quickly
- Residents were evacuated safely and on time
- Health risks clearly communicated
- Less panic thanks to calm, honest information
Well prepared for this scenario?
In a short demo we show you how CrisisRadar helps, from preparation to the first minute of the crisis.