During the ‘contain’ stage, what should you do?

During the ‘contain’ stage, the primary objective is to prevent the further release of the pest or material involved and to effectively contain it to reduce the impact on the surrounding areas. This step is crucial for managing situations where there is a risk of contamination or pest spread, and it emphasizes quick and decisive actions to control the situation.

Preventing additional release is critical as it helps to mitigate potential damage and health risks associated with pests or harmful substances. Containment may involve physical measures, such as creating barriers or using equipment designed to confine the material.

While isolating and securing the area is also an important action, it functions more as a supportive measure to assist in the containment effort. Informing employees and waiting for emergency responders to arrive are essential in broader response practices but are not the immediate focus during the actual containment action. Prioritizing containment ensures that the situation does not worsen while additional measures and support are being organized.