Hazardous material spills can occur on land or in water. They involve substances such as chemicals, radiation, biohazard materials, oil and gas, propane, flammable materials, industrial products and mixed waste. 

What to do during a hazardous material spill 

Sometimes an accident may cause a hazardous material to enter the air. You may be told to “shelter-in-place” instead of evacuating. This means: 

• Go indoors and stay there 
• Close all outside and inside doors
• Close all windows
• Do not use kitchen or bathroom vents
• Set thermostats so air conditioners, furnaces and hot water heaters do not come on
• Do not use fireplaces. Close all dampers
• Do not operate the clothes dryer
• Stay in an inside room as far away from windows and doors as possible
• Avoid smoking as it contaminates the air
• Do not leave the building until told to
• Stay tuned to local TV or radio for information
• Do not use the telephone 

Report a hazardous material spill 

If you become aware of a hazardous material spill, report it.

• Call toll-free 1-800-663-3456 24 hours a day
• If the spill is in international waters, call 1-800-OILS-911 

Source: Get prepared for a hazardous material spill - Province of British Columbia 

British Columbia’s emergency alert system will be used in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack. It is part of a national alert system that will broadcast emergency alerts on television and radio. Learn more about BC Emergency Alerting System.  

A radiological or nuclear emergency is an event that has led, or could lead, to a radiological threat to public health and safety, property, or the environment. In a radiological or nuclear emergency, fast action is required to reduce the threat.

The likelihood of a nuclear or radiological incident is remote because of the stringent controls in place for the movement and use of radioactive materials. All levels of government, and radiological and nuclear facilities, have emergency plans that may be quickly put into action if required.

Learn more: Get Prepared Canada: Nuclear emergencies 

A cyber-attack occurs when computer systems are sabotaged, with a virus. Impacts can be varied and range from data being erased or corrupted, confidential information being stolen, files being altered or copied, and computer/device/systems/software being controlled remotely. To learn more, follow Government of Canada tips to keep you and your family safe from cyber-attacks. 

Learn more: Government of Canada: Get Cyber Safe 

If a cyber-attack happens to you 

• Immediately change all passwords 
• Financial passwords first 
• Disconnect your computer from the internet and restart in safe mode 
• Contact companies, including banks, where you have accounts, as well as credit card companies 
• Close any accounts that may have been compromised 
• Watch for unexplainable or unauthorized charges to your accounts 
• File a report with the local police 
• Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre 

Learn more: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre