disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...
disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...
disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...
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Be ready to evacuate - Listen to local authorities <strong>and</strong> leave if you are told<br />
to evacuate. (see EVACUATION)<br />
DURING A CHEMICAL ATTACK:<br />
During any type of chemical attack, local authorities will instruct the<br />
public on where to go <strong>and</strong> exactly what to do if expos<strong>ed</strong> to an agent (which<br />
may require imm<strong>ed</strong>iate attention with professional m<strong>ed</strong>ical staff).<br />
Watch for signs - If you see or hear a lot of people choking, coughing or<br />
twitching or see a bunch of sick or dead critters - leave area quickly!<br />
Don’t panic -- Listen - Stay calm <strong>and</strong> listen to radio, TV <strong>and</strong> officials to ...<br />
• Determine if your area is or was in danger.<br />
• Learn signs <strong>and</strong> symptoms of some agents (see previous<br />
pages briefly describing BZ, chlorine, cyanide, sarin,<br />
sulfur mustard / mustard gas, <strong>and</strong> VX).<br />
• Find out if <strong>and</strong> where antidotes are being distribut<strong>ed</strong>.<br />
IF INDOORS – Stay inside <strong>and</strong> prepare to “shelter-in-place”...<br />
• Close your windows, vents <strong>and</strong> fireplace damper <strong>and</strong> turn<br />
off A/C <strong>and</strong> fans to r<strong>ed</strong>uce air drawn in from outside.<br />
• Seal gaps under doorways <strong>and</strong> windows with wet towels,<br />
plastic (if available) <strong>and</strong> duct tape.<br />
• If you pick<strong>ed</strong> a safe room in advance, grab your Disaster<br />
Supplies Kit <strong>and</strong> seal off that room - remember, you can<br />
only stay there for so many hours or you’ll run out of air.<br />
• Some vapors <strong>and</strong> gases may sink so avoid basements<br />
(unless instruct<strong>ed</strong> otherwise).<br />
IF OUTDOORS - Stay upwind from the <strong>disaster</strong> area since many agents<br />
can be carri<strong>ed</strong> by wind. Try to find a shelter as quickly as possible.<br />
IF IN A VEHICLE - Close your windows <strong>and</strong> shut off vents to r<strong>ed</strong>uce risk<br />
<strong>and</strong> drive away <strong>and</strong> upwind from the attack site, if possible.<br />
Cover up - Cover mouth <strong>and</strong> nose to filter air but still let you breathe (like<br />
a T-shirt or towel or several layers of paper towel, napkins or tissues).<br />
Feel sick... - Some agents can cause imm<strong>ed</strong>iate symptoms <strong>and</strong> some take<br />
a while to show up so watch family members for signs of illness.<br />
Evacuate... - If you are told to evacuate… DO it! If officials say you have<br />
time, close windows, shut vents <strong>and</strong> turn off attic fans. (see EVACUATION)<br />
92 www.itsa<strong>disaster</strong>.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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