Hazmat / Chemical
Hazmat means hazardous materials. A spill or release of harmful chemicals can affect the air, water, or surfaces nearby.
Core actions
- Move away from a spill or fumes without entering the affected area Do not touch or try to clean an unknown substance.
- Follow official instructions to leave or stay inside For an outdoor release, officials may tell you to close windows and ventilation.
- Store household chemicals safely and never mix cleaners Call Poison Control right away after a possible exposure.
- Trouble breathing, collapse, a gas smell, or an active dangerous release? Move to safety and call 911.
Start here
- Call NYC Poison Control NYC Poison Control Free, confidential advice for a possible exposure. Call 212-764-7667 immediately; do not wait for symptoms. 24/7 phone interpreters in 150 languages.
- Follow chemical spill safety guidance NYC Emergency Management Moving away, sheltering, and following official instructions during a hazardous release.
- Get local emergency alerts Notify NYC Free alerts by app, text, email, or phone. Select basement alerts if needed. Multilingual alerts and ASL videos.
More help
- Know when to leave or stay inside NYC Emergency Management Evacuation and shelter-in-place guidance. Follow instructions for the specific emergency.
- Contact National Grid for a gas emergency National Grid Gas service in most of Queens: 718-643-4050. For a gas smell, leave first and call 911 from outside.
- Contact National Grid for Rockaways gas service National Grid Rockaways gas emergency number: 800-490-0045. National Grid supplies gas, not electricity; leave and call 911 for a gas smell.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning NYC Health Alarm and fuel-burning appliance safety. If an alarm sounds or poisoning is suspected, leave and call 911.
- Find a safe household waste disposal event NYC Sanitation SAFE events Dispose of accepted chemicals and other harmful household products. Check dates and residency requirements.
- Find a household special waste drop-off site NYC Sanitation Accepted products, Queens site, and current hours. Routine disposal service; not for an active spill.