Yesterday, Santa Clara Avenue turned tense when a hazardous materials response at a multi-story apartment building in the 700 block sent residents out to the sidewalk and into medical checks. Alameda firefighters shut down the block as multiple ambulances and emergency crews lined the street, evaluating people on scene while neighboring departments stepped in to cover nearby fire stations.
What happened
The scare started around 2 PM after reports of an unknown substance inside the apartment building in the 700 block of Santa Clara Avenue. That triggered an evacuation along with a shelter-in-place order for that block, according to The Mercury News. Alameda fire crews stayed put at the incident while Oakland Fire units covered city stations, the outlet reported, and several ambulances were dispatched to check residents for any symptoms.
Hazmat response
When an unknown substance shows up in a residential building, it is not a quick in-and-out call. County hazardous materials teams and local fire departments work together to figure out what the substance is, keep it contained and advise on whether people need to evacuate or be medically monitored. Alameda County Environmental Health oversees the county's hazardous materials programs and offers technical backup on larger incidents, according to Alameda County Environmental Health. A hazmat team on scene usually means streets get cordoned off, air quality is checked and re-entry is restricted until testing is complete.
Medical checks and aftermath
Residents were brought outside for evaluation, and several people received medical attention at the scene, although officials did not immediately report any hospitalizations, according to The Mercury News. The outlet reported that at least a half-dozen ambulances showed up as a precaution while crews worked to secure the building. Investigators and hazmat specialists stayed on site to identify the substance and assess any potential exposure risks.
What residents should do
Officials urged anyone who was evacuated, or who feels off after the incident, to get checked out by a medical provider and follow updates from the city and emergency agencies. According to the City of Alameda Fire Department, residents should follow directions from responders on scene and rely on official city channels for information on when it is safe to return and any next steps. For questions about cleanup or long-term environmental concerns, Alameda County Environmental Health is the county contact for hazmat follow-up.
Response and follow-up
City officials and the county hazmat unit are reviewing the scene and will release more information as test results come in. Residents with lingering symptoms or non-emergency questions can find contact information and guidance on the Alameda County Environmental Health website, according to Alameda County Environmental Health. We'll update this story as officials publish more details.
