After identifying a suspected hazardous materials situation, who must the awareness level responder notify first?

An awareness level responder's primary role in a hazardous materials situation is to ensure safety and initiate the proper protocols for handling the incident. The first notification should be made to local fire and police departments because these agencies are equipped to manage emergencies, including incidents involving hazardous materials.

By contacting local emergency services immediately, the responder ensures that trained professionals are on their way to the scene to assess the situation and provide appropriate response strategies. Fire and police departments often have specific protocols for handling different types of hazardous materials and can coordinate the necessary resources and personnel to address the incident effectively.

While notifying a person of responsibility or the owner of the product is important in subsequent steps of the response, the priority must always be to alert those who can take immediate action to control the situation and ensure public safety. CANUTEC is a valuable resource for technical advice regarding hazardous materials, but the first line of response in an emergency resides with local authorities who must be alerted as soon as possible.