What should responders do if they encounter an unknown substance?

When responders encounter an unknown substance, the safest and most appropriate action is to evacuate the area and notify specialists. This approach prioritizes the safety of the responders and the public, as it minimizes the risks associated with potentially hazardous materials. Unknown substances can pose various dangers, including toxicity, flammability, or reactivity, and without proper identification, approaching or handling the material could lead to serious health risks or environmental contamination.

By evacuating the area, responders ensure that people are kept at a safe distance while experts—such as hazardous materials teams or environmental health professionals—are summoned. These specialists possess the training, equipment, and expertise necessary to assess the substance safely. They can conduct evaluations and analysis that would be risky for untrained individuals.

Other options such as ignoring the substance, moving closer without protective gear, or attempting to collect a sample compromise safety and could exacerbate a potentially dangerous situation. Therefore, the best course of action in dealing with an unknown substance is to evacuate and alert those with the proper training to handle hazardous materials.