Hazmat Incident At Water Treatment Plant

8:35 p.m.
-According to Santa Rosa County EMA the "air quaility tests have been completed, no harmfull substances were dectected and the shelter in place notice is now lifted."

8:00 p.m.
-Santa Rosa County EMA continues to ask those within a half-mile of East Bay Blvd and Andorra Street in Navarre to remain in their homes.
-The fire is about 98% contained at this time.
-Around 6:10 p.m. authorities were called to a fire at Aqua Water Treatment Incorporated, which is a private company that serves residential and commercial buildings.
-A technician at the company spotted the fire and tried to fight it himself, then called 911.
-He was transported by ambulance to a hospital for injuries, no word on his conditions or what kind of injuries he received.
-EMA is about to do some air quality tests.
-The entire building was on fire, and part of the building houses chemicals which raised the hazmat concerns.

7:30 p.m.
From the Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Agency,

There is a fire at the aqua water treatment plant on East Bay Blvd. and Andorra Street in Navarre causing a hazmat incident. Residents with in a .5 mile radius are urged to shelter in place. We need your help getting the word out as reverse 911 is down.

“Shelter in place” is one of the basic instructions you may receive from public safety offi cials during a chemical emergency in your community. Sheltering in place offers you and your family immediate protection for a short time in your home. If you are told to shelter in place, take your children and pets indoors immediately.

• Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.

• If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.

• Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.

• Close the fi replace damper.

• Get your family disaster supplies kit and make sure the radio is working.

• Go to an interior room without windows that’s above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.

• Bring your pets with you; and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.

• It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select.

Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition.

Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.

• Use duct tape and plastic sheeting

(heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.

• Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.

Local offi cials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

If you are driving a vehicle and hear advice to “shelter-in-place” on the radio, take these steps:

• If you are very close to home, your offi ce, or a public building, go there immediately and go inside.

Follow the shelter in place recommendations for the place you pick described above.

• If you are unable to get to a home or building quickly and safely, then pull over to the side of the road.

Stop your vehicle in the safest place possible. If it is sunny outside, it is preferable to stop under a

bridge or in a shady spot, to avoid being overheated.

• Turn off the engine. Close windows and vents.

• If possible, seal the heating/air conditioning vents with duct tape.

• Listen to the radio regularly for updated advice and instructions.

• Stay where you are until you are told it is safe to get back on the road. Be aware that some roads may be closed or traffi c detoured. Follow the directions of law enforcement offi cials.

Source: American Red Cross

Chemical/Hazardous