OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Watch and Wait

Being alert to your surroundings is the first and best thing you can do to keep from being victimized by terrorists. In the event that an attack does occur, you need to remain calm. Panic only adds to the confusion and increases problems. Realize that our government agencies and public health, safety and law enforcement agencies are world class. They are focusing tremendous efforts and resources on combating terrorism. Follow their instructions with patience, calm and trust.

In the Worst Case

Your life and the lives of others can depend on your response to a terror attack. Try to stay calm so that you can think straight.
Here are a few simple tips that could improve the outcome of a terrible situation:

• Knowing exit routes and locations of first aid kits is critical.
• After an explosion, exit the building quickly and calmly. If items are falling get under a sturdy table or desk.
• If there is fire or smoke, crawl under the smoke to the nearest exit, covering your nose and mouth with a wet cloth. Test doors for heat with the back of your hand. If cool, brace yourself behind the door and open slowly. If hot find an alternate escape route.
• If you are trapped in debris, limit your movements to keep the dust level low. Cover your face with clothing and avoid shouting to prevent inhaling dust. Tap on pipes or walls to help resources find you.
• If a biological attack occurs, follow the authorities' instructions for evacuation or quarantine. Any severe flu-like symptoms or cough should be examined by a doctor.
• If a chemical attack occurs in your building, evacuate quickly and calmly. Go to an area upwind of the building and wait for emergency assistance.
• If a chemical attack occurs in your city, wait for the authorities to inform you which is safer-- evacuating the area or "sheltering in place".

Clean Air

Many potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic "junk" into the air. For example, an explosion may release very fine debris that can cause lung damage. A biological attack may release germs that can make you sick if inhaled or absorbed through open cuts. Many of these agents can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination.

• Nose and Mouth Protection

  Face masks or dense-weave cotton material, that snugly covers your nose and mouth and is specifically fit for each member of the family. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children.

  Be prepared to improvise with what you have on hand to protect your nose, mouth, eyes and cuts in your skin. Anything that fits snugly over your nose and mouth, including any dense-weave cotton material, can help filter contaminants in an emergency. It is very important that most of the air you breathe comes through the mask or cloth, not around it. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children. There are also a variety of face masks readily available in hardware stores that are rated based on how small a particle they can filter in an industrial setting.

  Given the different types of attacks that could occur, there is not one solution for masking. For instance, simple cloth face masks can filter some of the airborne "junk" or germs you might breathe into your body, but will probably not protect you from chemical gases. Still, something over your nose and mouth in an emergency is better than nothing. Limiting how much "junk" gets into your body may impact whether or not you get sick or develop disease.

Sheltering in Place During a Radiation, Chemical or Biological Emergency

With recent terrorist events, many people have wondered about the possibility of a terrorist attack involving radioactive, chemical or biological materials. People who live near but not in the immediate area of the attack may be asked to stay home and take shelter rather than try to evacuate. This action is called "sheltering in place." Because many radioactive and biological materials rapidly decay and dissipate, staying in your home may protect your from exposure to the threat. The thick walls of your home may block much of the harmful effects. Taking a few simple precautions can help you reduce your exposure. This fact sheet has been prepared to help you protect yourself and your family and to help you prepare a safe and well-stocked shelter.

Preparing a Shelter in Your Home

The safest place in your home during an emergency involving radioactive, chemical or biological materials is a centrally located room or basement. This area should have as few windows as possible. The further your shelter is from windows, the safer you will be.

Preparation is the key. Store emergency supplies in this area. An emergency could happen at any time, so it is best to stock supplies in advance and have everything that you need stored in the shelter.

Every 6 months, check the supplies in your shelter. Replace any expired medications, food, or batteries. Also, replace the water in your shelter every 6 months to keep it fresh.

Make sure that all family members know where the shelter is and what it is for. Caution them not to take any items from that area. If someone "borrows" items from your shelter, you may find that important items are missing when they are most needed.

If you have pets, prepare a place for them to relieve themselves in the shelter. Pets should not go outside during an emergency because they may track radioactive, chemical or biological materials from fallout into the shelter. Preparing a place for pets will keep these materials from getting inside the shelter.

Preparing Emergency Supplies

Prepare a Family Disaster Supplies Kit and have available Emergency Food and Water.

Tips Before Entering a Shelter

If you are outside when the alert is given, try to remove clothing and shoes and place them in a plastic bag before entering the house. During severe weather, such as extreme cold, remove at least the outer layer of clothes before entering the home to avoid bringing radioactive, chemical or biological material into your shelter. Leave clothing and shoes outside. Shower and wash your body with soap and water. Removing clothing will eliminate 90% of contamination. By taking this simple step, you will reduce the time that you are exposed and also your risk of injury.
Before entering the shelter, turn off fans, air conditioners, and forced-air heating units that bring air in from the outside. Close and lock all windows and doors, and close fireplace dampers.

When you move to your shelter, use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal any doors, windows, or vents.

Keep your radio tuned to an emergency response network at all times for updates on the situation. The announcers will provide information about when you may leave your shelter and whether you need to take other emergency measures.

For more information on preparations visit the American Red Cross (Atlanta), How Can You Prepare.