Know What to Do if Disaster Strikes?

Biological Chemical Radiological Explosive

What Preparations Can I Make for an Emergency?

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to describing the types and effects of disaster.  Natural disasters such as wild fires, and floods can occur with little or no warning at all.   A biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious.  Chemical agents have great potential for causing casualties.  Radiation threats, commonly referred to as a “dirty bomb” or “radiological dispersion device” is a continued concern. You should plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. 

If There is a Biological Emergency

Follow the instructions of doctors and public health officials. Do not assume that you should go to the hospital emergency room.  Symptoms from common illnesses may overlap. Practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek medical advice. Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger. If your symptoms match those described by authorities and you are in the group believed to be in danger, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

For more information on biologcial preparedness, visit Ready.gov

If You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical

Take immediate action to get away. If you can’t get out of the building or find clean air with out passing through the area where you see signs of a chemical, move as far away as possible. If the chemical is inside a building where you are, get out of the building without passing through the contaminated area, if possible. Seek emergency medical attention.

For more information on chemical preparedness, visit Ready.gov or the CDC

If There Has Been a Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD)

Radiological weapons are generally felt to be suitable largely for terror, political, and area denial purposes, rather than mass killings. Unlike nuclear weapons, they spread radioactive material contaminating personnel, equipment, facilities, and terrain. The radioactive material acts as a toxic chemical to which exposure eventually proves harmful or fatal.
Radiological dispersion devices (RDDs) are a combination of conventional explosives and radioactive material designed to scatter dangerous amounts of radioactive material over a general area. RDDs appeal to terrorists because certain radiological materials are used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry and research, and are much more readily available compared to other weapons grade materials.

Types of Radiological Exposure

Three types of radiation-induced injury can occur: external irradiation, contamination with radioactive materials, and incorporation of radioactive material into body cells, tissues, or organs.

1. External irradiation occurs when all or part of the body is exposed to penetrating radiation from an external source.
2. Contamination means that radioactive materials in the form of gasses, liquids, or solids are released into the and contaminate people externally, internally, or both.
3. Incorporation refers to the distribution of radioactive materials in the body based upon their chemical proposition.

What to do if a Radiological event occurs?

For more information on radiological preparedness, visit Ready.gov or the CDC

If There is an Explosion

Exit the building quickly; the farther away you are from the blast and fallout, the lower your exposure. If you are in a multiple floor building, do not use the elevators. Check for fire and other hazards; minimizing the time spent exposed to hazards will reduce your risk. If you are trapped in debris, avoid unnecessary movement. Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand to prevent inhaling dust and particles. Tap on the wall or nearby surface so that rescuers can hear where you are.

For more information on preparations for an explosion, visit Ready.gov