Thanks Phillip! I'm updating the OP as I go and have added a major threats section. Silly to leave out that info - sorry!

Yes, there hazardous chemicals all around us. The tracks and highway are both within half a mile, as is a nuclear plant. I'm not sure exactly what's in each building but we are in the middle of the major transportation corridor for the province. I imagine that just about anything could be next door or going by at any moment.