What should be done first in the event of a hazardous material leak?

In the event of a hazardous material leak, the first priority is to ensure the safety of individuals in the vicinity. Evacuating the area is crucial as it removes people from potential harm and minimizes exposure to hazardous substances. The initial step involves assessing the situation to determine whether evacuation is necessary.

Following an evacuation, it is important to secure the area to prevent unauthorized access, which can be part of the process that includes sealing off the area. While notifying the media and attempting to contain the leak may be important steps, they would typically occur after the immediate safety concerns of evacuation are addressed. In emergency response protocols, the focus is on protecting lives first, thereby making evacuation the most critical action immediately after confirming a leak exists.