DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

Report strange things - Be aware of your surroundings -- watch for strangeor suspicious packages ... or spray trucks or crop dusters in weird places atstrange times ... and report suspicious activities to local authorities.Make a plan - Review Section 1 to develop a Family Emergency Plan andDisaster Supplies Kit.Get rid of pests - Keep home clean and put food away that might attract ratsor mice and get rid of “standing water” sources around yard (like buckets,tires, pots, or kiddie pools) since they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.Be ready to evacuate - Listen to local authorities and leave if you are toldto evacuate. (see EVACUATION)DURING A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK:During any type of biological attack, local authorities will instruct thepublic about where to go and exactly what to do if exposed to an agent(which may require immediate attention with professional medical staff).It’s possible there may be signs (as seen with the anthrax mailings), butmore likely it would be discovered after the fact when local health careworkers have a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attentionor there are reports of unusual illnesses or symptoms.Don’t panic -- Listen - Stay calm and listen to radio, TV and officials to ...• Determine if your area is in danger or if you werein the area when it was contaminated.• Learn signs and symptoms of agent or disease (seeprevious pages briefly describing anthrax, botulism,plague, ricin, smallpox, tularemia, and viral hemorrhagicfevers [VHFs - like Ebola or Marburg] ).• Find out if medications or vaccines are being distributedby authorities and, if so, where you can get them.Cover up - Cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric to filter air butstill let you breathe (like 2-3 layers of cotton T-shirt or towel or severallayers of paper towel, napkins or tissues).Clean up - Wash with soap and water to keep from spreading germs.Stay away - Get away from the attack site to avoid contamination.Evacuate...? - If you are told to leave… DO it! If officials say you havetime, close windows, shut vents and turn off attic fans. (see EVACUATION)www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325107