Explosives and Hazardous Material Emergencies

🚔 When I arrive on scene

The first thing I need to do is conduct a “windshield size up” and look for indicators of hazardous material.

Remember the sheriff who died from inhaling toxic gas while trying to render aid to a crash victim. Don’t be a “blue canary”. 🐦

If I role up on a person inside a car and I suspect HM look inside the car before opening the door.

The 4 response steps

1. Detect
2. Isolate
3. Identify
4. Request resources

Work the process: regardless of the circumstances, the response follows a similar process:

1. Life (safety)
2. Incident (stabilization)
3. Property (evidence)

• Are there any threats to life (me, my partner, other first responders, victims, witnesses, suspects)?
• What do I have to do to stabilize the situation?
• Is there any evidence I have to protect (set up perimeter, control access, notate, capture, etc.)?

☢️ If hazardous material is detected

Consider how existing weather conditions might worsen (or lessen) the effects. Some things are flammable or can give off toxic fumes at different temperatures (flash-points). For example, _ spills out on the hot pavement in the summer and turns into a toxic fume.

If the HM is unknown, refer to Guide 111 in the ERG. This is the catch all for hazardous material. Guide 112 is the catch all if you think it is explosive.

HAZMAT Specific Interview Questions

💣 Bomb Threats

Bomb Threat Risk Assessment Criteria
Bomb_Threat_Checklist_082025_508.pdf
Indicators of Suspicious Packages and Letters

Relevant Crimes

1. Making a False Bomb Report to a Public Building
2. Malicious Damage to Occupied Property by Use of an Explosive or Incendiary Device 1
3. Malicious Damage to Real or Personal Property by Use of an Explosive or Incendiary Device
4. Perpetrating a Hoax in or at a Public Building
5. Perpetrating a Hoax in a Nonpublic Building or Other Location