As mentioned in our Sarin gas … what is THAT? post the other day, since chemical agents are once again in the news, we wanted to share some safety information from our IT’S A DISASTER! book about what to do in the event of a chemical threat or attack.
Remember, many chemical weapons – or chemical warfare – have been around since World War I … it’s unfortunate we have to even discuss it … but try not to let this topic frighten you. And many of these safety tips apply to a biological agent incident as well, but for now we’re just focusing on chemical agents. Also realize some chemicals used in industry (e.g. chlorine, ammonia, etc) are transported on our highway and rail systems which could also create a hazardous incident in the event of an accident.
Educate yourselves about the types and where to find more information so you are prepared to react in the event of a chemical threat, incident or attack.
BEFORE A CHEMICAL INCIDENT / ATTACK:
Watch & listen for signs – Many chemical agents can cause watery eyes, choking, trouble breathing, coughing or twitching. If you see or hear a lot of people doing this or see a bunch of birds, fish or critters sick or dead, it should raise a red flag. Learn about some common potentially hazardous chemical agents and stay current by listening to radio and TV to hear what local authorities tell people to do — and DO it!
Report strange things – Be aware of your surroundings — watch for strange or suspicious packages, luggage or backpacks … or spray trucks or crop dusters in weird places at strange times … and report suspicious activities to local authorities.
Make a plan – Develop a Family Emergency Plan and Disaster Supplies Kit. Some key items include a battery-powered radio (with extra batteries), food and drinking water, duct tape, plastic and scissors, first aid kit, and sanitation items (soap, extra water and bleach). A sample Plan and tips for Kits are included in our free PDF ebook.
Pick a room – It could take authorities time to determine what (if any) agent was used so pick a room in advance your family could use if told to “shelter-in-place” for several hours. It’s best to pick an internal room where you could block out air IF told to do so. To save time consider measuring and cutting plastic sheets in advance for openings (vents, windows, and doors). Remember, toilets / drains may be vented meaning outside air comes in constantly or when flushed / open (depends on design) – in case you’re using a bathroom as a safe room.
Calculate air for room – Keep in mind people can stay in a sealed off room for only so long (or you’ll run out of air.) FEMA suggests 10 square feet of floor space per person (like 5ft x 2ft / 1.5m x 0.6m ) will provide enough air to prevent carbon dioxide buildup for up to 5 hours.
Be ready to evacuate – Listen to local authorities and leave if you are told to evacuate.
DURING A CHEMICAL ATTACK:
During any type of chemical attack, local authorities will instruct the public on where to go and exactly what to do if exposed to an agent (which may require immediate attention with professional medical staff).
Watch for signs – If you see or hear a lot of people choking, coughing or twitching or see a bunch of sick or dead critters – leave area quickly!
Don’t panic — Listen – Stay calm and listen to radio, TV and officials to …
- Determine if your area is or was in danger.
- Learn signs and symptoms of some agents
- Find out if and where antidotes are being distributed.
IF INDOORS – Stay inside and prepare to “shelter-in-place”…
- Close your windows, vents and fireplace damper and turn off A/C and fans to reduce air drawn in from outside.
- Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels, plastic (if available) and duct tape.
- If you picked a safe room in advance, grab your Disaster Supplies Kit and seal off that room – remember, you can only stay there for so many hours or you’ll run out of air.
- Some vapors and gases may sink so avoid basements (unless instructed otherwise).
IF OUTDOORS – Stay upwind from the disaster area since many agents can be carried by wind. Try to find a shelter as quickly as possible.
IF IN A VEHICLE – Close your windows and shut off vents to reduce risk and drive away and upwind from the attack site, if possible.
Cover up – Cover mouth and nose to filter air but still let you breathe (like a T-shirt or towel or several layers of paper towel, napkins or tissues).
Feel sick…? – Some agents can cause immediate symptoms and some take a while to show up so watch family members for signs of illness.
Evacuate…? – If you are told to evacuate… DO it! If officials say you have time, close windows, shut vents and turn off attic fans.
Things to avoid:
- chemicals – any spilled liquid materials, vapors or gas
- contaminated food or water – don’t eat or drink any food or water that may have been exposed to materials
Stay away – Get away from the attack site to avoid contamination.
AFTER A CHEMICAL ATTACK:
Feel sick…? – In some cases, people won’t be aware they have been exposed to an agent — most cause immediate symptoms and some take a while to show up so continue watching for signs of illness.
Don’t panic — Listen – Stay calm and listen to radio, TV and officials to …
- Determine if your area is or was in danger.
- Learn signs and symptoms of specific chemical agent(s).
- Find out if antidotes are being distributed by authorities and, if so, where you can get them.
Don’t go there – Don’t return home until local authorities say it is safe.
Air out – Open windows, vents and turn on fans to air things out.
Clean up – A person, critter or item that has been exposed could spread it…
- decontamination – follow instructions from authorities since it depends on chemical. May need to shower with or without soap or may be told to avoid water – check first
- strange symptoms – if unusual symptoms show up, get to a hospital or medical expert right away
- store clothes & shoes – put exposed clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers or bags and ask local authorities how to get rid of them
- tell people you’ve been exposed – tell everyone who comes in contact with you that you may have been exposed to a chemical agent
- land and property – ask local authorities how to clean up
Strange vapors or danger – Report these to local authorities immediately.
For more information about chemical (or biological) agents, visit the CDC Emergency Preparedness & Response site .. or .. call CDC Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or 1-888-232-6348 (TTY).
Above extracted from IT’S A DISASTER! …and what are YOU gonna do about it? – Learn more about the book or ebook
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