Which of the following best describes the term "Containment"?

The term "Containment" in the context of hazardous materials response specifically refers to the process of stopping the spread of a hazardous substance. This involves implementing strategies and measures to prevent a hazardous material from moving beyond its initial release point. Effective containment is crucial during an emergency response situation as it helps to minimize exposure to the hazardous substance, protects the environment, and ensures the safety of responders and the public.

In practice, containment could involve the use of barriers, physical structures, or materials (like absorptive booms or dikes) to restrict the movement of the hazardous material, ensuring that it remains in a controlled area. It is an essential first step in managing any hazardous materials incident, facilitating further response actions such as cleanup or remediation.

The other concepts presented in the choices, while related to hazardous materials management, do not accurately define containment. For example, absorption refers to the capability of materials to soak up hazardous substances rather than preventing their spread. Treating contaminated individuals pertains to medical response, and secure storage deals more with the long-term management of hazardous waste, rather than immediate containment in response to a release event.