Which of the following protective actions can be taken during a hazardous material incident?

During a hazardous material incident, taking protective actions is crucial to ensure the safety of individuals and the surrounding environment. Option B highlights two important strategies: evacuation and shelter in place.

Evacuation involves moving people out of the affected area to a safer location, which is essential when the potential exposure to hazardous materials poses an immediate risk to health and safety. This action helps minimize the number of individuals at risk and reduces potential casualties.

On the other hand, sheltering in place is used when evacuation might expose individuals to greater danger, such as during a sudden release of hazardous materials. In this situation, individuals stay indoors, sealing doors and windows, to protect themselves from potential contamination while waiting for the threat to pass or for emergency responders.

The effectiveness of choosing between these two measures depends on the specific circumstances of the incident, including the type of hazardous material involved, weather conditions, and the urgency of the situation. Therefore, evacuation and shelter in place are considered essential protective actions during a hazardous material incident.