In emergency response, what is the primary goal when mitigating a hazardous materials incident?

The primary goal when mitigating a hazardous materials incident is to contain the material to prevent further release and to minimize its impact on the environment, public health, and safety. This involves establishing a secure perimeter and implementing measures to stop the spread of the hazardous substance.

By containing the material, responders can effectively isolate it, which reduces the risk of exposure to the public and the environment. Containment allows for the safe assessment of the situation and the implementation of cleanup and recovery processes, addressing the incident in a structured and controlled manner.

While evacuation of the area, informing the public, and controlling access points are important steps in the overall response plan, they primarily serve to protect people and ensure safety while containment is being established. Without effective containment, these actions alone may not sufficiently mitigate the risks posed by a hazardous materials incident.