Today's toluene spill in Richmond (Contra Costa County) gave residents a legitimate scare -- with official instructions to "shelter in place."

Let's hope the "there's nothing to see here folks" comments about the Bay are true. Some of the toluene got into the Bay and surrounding marsh lands, but we're not sure how much. Ostensibly, little enough that it will dissipate. Our wilds and waterways deserve a break.

Updated 5/6/08 - KTVU has a Video Report on today's cleanup efforts in Richmond and the surrounding marshes -- which will take several days. (Slow connections may not be able to handle the video stream.)

So what if you're in an area where a shelter in place order goes into effect? The gist of shelter in place is to stay put and protect yourself until the chemicals in question dissipate.

Here's more information on what you should do and what you should have on hand:

• How to Shelter in Place
• First Aid Kit Information
• Disaster Preparedness Information from the American Red Cross
• Basic Disaster Supplies (from FEMA)