HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Monday, Sept. 29, a man walked into a busy bank in Waikīkī and passed a note demanding money.
Before walking out, he released a chemical into the building. The bank was full of people, and many were caught off guard.
Incidents like this show how fast things can change in a public space and how important it is to know what to do if you’re suddenly exposed to an unknown chemical.
Crowded places like banks, malls, schools and big stores make these situations more dangerous. There are more people, more confusion and more chances for exposure to spread. That’s why it’s important to act fast, stay calm and follow a few clear steps.
Here are some tips we found from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawaii State Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office (HEER)
1. Leave the area or shelter in place, depending on where you are
In a chemical release, distance matters. If you’re near the substance and it’s safe to move, get away quickly. If you’re inside, exit the building and move toward fresh air.
If you’re outside, go upwind and uphill from the source. Even a few steps away can lower your risk.
If you are not exposed but still inside the building, you may be safer staying where you are. Close doors and windows and wait for instructions from emergency responders. They will tell you if and when it’s safe to leave.
Large venues will have staff trained in evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures. Listen to them and do not go back to the area for personal items or try to investigate the scene.
2. Don’t touch or disturb the substance
Crowded spaces make it easy for exposure to spread. If you see a powder, liquid or a strange-smelling object, do not touch it. Don’t smell it or try to clean it. If it’s on your skin or clothes, don’t shake or brush it off in a crowd. That can make things worse.
Keep your distance and help others stay back. Let trained responders handle it. Chemicals react in different ways, and what looks harmless might not be.
3. Remove contaminated clothing and wash with soap and water
If you come in contact with a chemical in a public space, take action quickly. The CDC recommends removing outer clothing right away, ideally within 10 minutes. This can remove most of the chemical from your body. Be careful when taking your clothes off. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Put your clothing in a plastic bag and seal it. Keep it away from others and do not leave it in public walkways or restrooms.
Next, wash with soap and water. Many large spaces — like malls, grocery stores or banks — have restrooms where you can rinse off. If a shower is available, use it. If not, use a sink or bottled water to clean your skin. Do not use dry wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizers as your only method. They can spread the chemical or worsen irritation.
If the affected person is a child or someone who needs help, assist them carefully. Use a towel or cloth to create a barrier between your hands and their skin if needed.
But remember, clean yourself first before helping anyone else. You don’t want to spread contamination.
4. Call for help and report the incident
Call 911 right away. If someone is experiencing trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, seizures or chemical burns, then they will need to be treated by emergency responders. Let them know where you are, how many people are affected and what symptoms they have.
In Hawaiʻi, chemical releases in public places will also be reported to HEER. This office helps coordinate testing, cleanup and public safety messages after a spill or release.
When reporting an incident, give clear details. Tell them:
- The name of the venue and location inside the building.
- What the substance looks or smells like.
- How many people were exposed and their symptoms.
- When it happened and whether anyone touched or moved the substance.
- If there were suspicious people or packages nearby.
This helps responders decide if they need to evacuate the space, set up decontamination areas or test the air.
5. Follow instructions from venue staff and emergency officials
In large spaces, emergency response takes coordination. Security and staff may start moving people away from the area. They may seal off hallways, entrances or exits. Stay calm and follow directions and do not run or crowd exits.
In some cases, fire or hazmat crews may set up mass decontamination stations. These may be outside the building.
You may be asked to remove your clothes, rinse off and go to a medical zone for evaluation. This helps protect everyone and stops further spread.
6. Do not rely on social media
In an emergency, social media can spread rumors or false information. Listen to official announcements from fire, police or venue loudspeakers.
In Hawaiʻi, local emergency alerts and the Department of Health will share verified instructions through approved channels.
7. After exposure, monitor your health
Even if you feel fine at first, see a doctor if you breathed in fumes, touched the chemical or develop symptoms later.
Some effects can take hours to appear. This is especially important for children, pregnant people and those with asthma or other health issues.
Emergency rooms and clinics know how to handle chemical exposures. They can treat symptoms and help you recover safely.
8. Keep a record of what happened
Write down what you saw and experienced. Note the time, place, symptoms and any actions you took. This information helps health workers and public safety officials understand what happened.
9. Mental health matters
Chemical incidents in public can be stressful and scary. If you feel anxious, shaken or overwhelmed afterward, talk to a doctor or counselor. Support is available, and it’s normal to need help after a traumatic event.
10. Be prepared every time you go out
In large, busy spaces, stay alert.
- Know where the exits are.
- Carry a charged phone.
- Keep children close.
- If you see something suspicious — like a strange smell, a leaking bag or someone acting oddly — tell staff or security right away.
- Move to a safe place.
You can click here for more detailed information from the CDC and here for HEER.
The most important things to remember in any chemical emergency are simple:
Get away. Get clean. Get help.