www.ready.gov - From The U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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Overview
INTRODUCTION - What is www.ready.gov all about?
Introduction | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3
Terrorists are working to obtain biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological
weapons and the threat of an attack is very real. Here at the Department of
Homeland Security, throughout the federal government, and at organizations
across America we are working hard to strengthen our Nation's security. Whenever
possible, we want to stop terrorist attacks before they happen. All Americans
should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better
prepared to react during an attack. While there is no way to predict what will
happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you
can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling
a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both
a natural or man-made emergency. However, as you will see throughout the pages
of Ready.gov, there are important differences among potential terrorist threats
that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. With a little
planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.
STEP 1 - Make a Kit of Emergency Supplies
Introduction | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3
Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own
for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might
make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air.
Consider putting together two kits. In one, put everything needed to stay where
you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller
version you can take with you if you have to get away.
You'll need a gallon of water per person per day. Include in the kits canned and
dried foods that are easy to store and prepare. If you live in a cold weather
climate, include warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family.
Start now by gathering basic emergency supplies – a flashlight, a
battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, toilet articles,
prescription medicines and other special things your family may need. Many
potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic "junk" into the air.
Many of these materials can only hurt you if they get into your body, so think
about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination. It's smart to
have something for each member of the family that covers their mouth and nose.
Plan to use two to three layers of a cotton t-shirt, handkerchief or towel. Or,
consider filter masks, readily available in hardware stores, which are rated
based on how small a particle they filter. It is very important that the mask or
other material fit your face snugly so that most of the air you breathe comes
through the mask, not around it. Do whatever you can to make the best fit
possible for children.
Also, include duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting that
can be used to seal windows and doors if you need to create a barrier between
yourself and any potential contamination outside.
STEP 2 - Make a Plan for What You Will Do in an Emergency
Introduction | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3
Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on
hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Depending on your
circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is
deciding whether to stay or go. You should understand and plan for both
possibilities.
Develop a Family Communications Plan: Your family may not be together when
disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you
will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls,
or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be
easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an
out-of-state contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated
family members. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be
down altogether, but be patient.
Staying Put: There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier
between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as
"shelter-in-place," can be a matter of survival. Choose an interior room or one
with as few windows and doors as possible. Consider precutting plastic sheeting
to seal windows, doors and air vents. Each piece should be several inches larger
than the space you want to cover so that you can duct tape it flat against the
wall. Label each piece with the location of where it fits.
If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the
air is badly contaminated, you may want to "shelter-in-place." Quickly bring
your family and pets inside, lock doors, and close windows, air vents and
fireplace dampers. Immediately turn off air conditioning, forced air heating
systems, exhaust fans and clothes dryers. Take your emergency supplies and go
into the room you have designated. Seal all windows, doors and vents. Watch TV,
listen to the radio or check the Internet for instructions.
Getting Away: Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate
where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you
have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of
gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other
means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car, plan how you
will leave if you have to. Take your emergency supply kit and lock the door
behind you. If you believe the air may be contaminated, drive with your windows
and vents closed and keep the air conditioning and heater turned off. Listen to
the radio for instructions.
At Work and School: Think about the places where your family spends time:
school, work and other places you frequent. Talk to your children's schools and
your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with
families during an emergency. If you are an employer, be sure you have an
emergency preparedness plan. Review and practice it with your employees. A
community working together during an emergency also makes sense. Talk to your
neighbors about how you can work together.
STEP 2 - Make a Plan for What You Will Do in an Emergency
Introduction | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3
Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on
hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Depending on your
circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is
deciding whether to stay or go. You should understand and plan for both
possibilities.
Develop a Family Communications Plan: Your family may not be together when
disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you
will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls,
or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be
easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an
out-of-state contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated
family members. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be
down altogether, but be patient.
Staying Put: There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier
between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as
"shelter-in-place," can be a matter of survival. Choose an interior room or one
with as few windows and doors as possible. Consider precutting plastic sheeting
to seal windows, doors and air vents. Each piece should be several inches larger
than the space you want to cover so that you can duct tape it flat against the
wall. Label each piece with the location of where it fits.
If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the
air is badly contaminated, you may want to "shelter-in-place." Quickly bring
your family and pets inside, lock doors, and close windows, air vents and
fireplace dampers. Immediately turn off air conditioning, forced air heating
systems, exhaust fans and clothes dryers. Take your emergency supplies and go
into the room you have designated. Seal all windows, doors and vents. Watch TV,
listen to the radio or check the Internet for instructions.
Getting Away: Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate
where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you
have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of
gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other
means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car, plan how you
will leave if you have to. Take your emergency supply kit and lock the door
behind you. If you believe the air may be contaminated, drive with your windows
and vents closed and keep the air conditioning and heater turned off. Listen to
the radio for instructions.
At Work and School: Think about the places where your family spends time:
school, work and other places you frequent. Talk to your children's schools and
your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with
families during an emergency. If you are an employer, be sure you have an
emergency preparedness plan. Review and practice it with your employees. A
community working together during an emergency also makes sense. Talk to your
neighbors about how you can work together.
STEP 2 - Make a Plan for What You Will Do in an Emergency
Introduction | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3
Be prepared to assess the situation, use common sense and whatever you have on
hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Depending on your
circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is
deciding whether to stay or go. You should understand and plan for both
possibilities.
Develop a Family Communications Plan: Your family may not be together when
disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you
will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls,
or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be
easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an
out-of-state contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated
family members. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be
down altogether, but be patient.
Staying Put: There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier
between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as
"shelter-in-place," can be a matter of survival. Choose an interior room or one
with as few windows and doors as possible. Consider precutting plastic sheeting
to seal windows, doors and air vents. Each piece should be several inches larger
than the space you want to cover so that you can duct tape it flat against the
wall. Label each piece with the location of where it fits.
If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the
air is badly contaminated, you may want to "shelter-in-place." Quickly bring
your family and pets inside, lock doors, and close windows, air vents and
fireplace dampers. Immediately turn off air conditioning, forced air heating
systems, exhaust fans and clothes dryers. Take your emergency supplies and go
into the room you have designated. Seal all windows, doors and vents. Watch TV,
listen to the radio or check the Internet for instructions.
Getting Away: Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate
where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you
have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of
gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other
means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car, plan how you
will leave if you have to. Take your emergency supply kit and lock the door
behind you. If you believe the air may be contaminated, drive with your windows
and vents closed and keep the air conditioning and heater turned off. Listen to
the radio for instructions.
At Work and School: Think about the places where your family spends time:
school, work and other places you frequent. Talk to your children's schools and
your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with
families during an emergency. If you are an employer, be sure you have an
emergency preparedness plan. Review and practice it with your employees. A
community working together during an emergency also makes sense. Talk to your
neighbors about how you can work together.
STEP 3 - Be Informed about what might happen
Introduction | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling
a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both
a natural or man-made emergency. However there are important differences among
potential terrorist threats that will impact the decisions you make and the
actions you take.
Specific Terrorist Threats
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other substances that
can make you sick. Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a cut in the skin
or eaten to make you sick.
A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that
can poison people and the environment.
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure
wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and
ground surfaces for miles around.
A radiation threat or "Dirty Bomb" is the use of common explosives to spread
radioactive materials over a targeted area.
Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make
every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene.
Above all, stay calm, be patient and think before you act. With these simple
preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.
Water
One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or
no water.
Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
Choose foods your family will eat.
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Protein or fruit bars
Dry cereal or granola
Peanut butter
Dried fruit
Nuts
Crackers
Canned juices
Non-perishable pasteurized milk
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods
Download the PDF "Food and Water in an Emergency" from the American Red Cross
(100k).
Make a Kit - Clean Air
Water & Food | Clean Air | First Aid Kit | Supply Checklists | Special Needs
Items
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.
Other Barriers
Heavyweight plastic garbage bags or plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors
There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself
and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as "shelter-in-place,"
is a matter of survival. You can use these things to tape up windows, doors and
air vents if you need to seal off a room from outside contamination. Consider
precutting and labeling these materials. Anything you can do in advance will
save time when it counts.
Use available information to assess the situation. If you see large amounts of
debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated,
you can use these things to tape up windows, doors and air vents if you need to
seal off a room. Read more: Deciding to Stay or Go.
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration) Filter Fans
Once you have sealed a room with plastic sheeting and duct tape you may have
created a better barrier between you and any contaminants that may be outside.
However, no seal is perfect and some leakage is likely. In addition to which,
you may find yourself in a space that is already contaminated to some degree.
Consider a portable air purifier, with a HEPA filter, to help remove
contaminants from the room where you are sheltering. These highly efficient
filters have small sieves that can capture very tiny particles, including some
biological agents. Once trapped within a HEPA filter contaminants cannot get
into your body and make you sick. While these filters are excellent at filtering
dander, dust, molds, smoke, biological agents and other contaminants, they will
not stop chemical gases.
Some people, particularly those with severe allergies and asthma, use HEPA
filters in masks, portable air purifiers as well as in larger home or industrial
models to continuously filter the air.
Make a Kit - First Aid Kit
Water & Food | Clean Air | First Aid Kit | Supply Checklists | Special Needs
Items
First Aid Kit
In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer
other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help
your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life
threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat
minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first
aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding,
prevent infection and assist in decontamination.
Things you should have:
Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Burn ointment to prevent infection.
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
Thermometer (Read more: Biological Threat)
Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and
asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for
expiration dates.
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring
equipment and supplies.
Things it may be good to have:
Cell phone
Scissors
Tweezers
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Non-prescription drugs:
Potassium Iodide (Read more: Nuclear Blast)
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for upset stomach)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Make a Kit - Supply Checklists
Water & Food | Clean Air | First Aid Kit | Supply Checklists | Special Needs
Items
SUPPLY CHECKLISTS
Emergency Supplies
The basics of survival: water, food and clean air are essential, but some of the
following items may make a time of crisis more comfortable.
Basic Supplies
Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery powered radio and extra batteries
Plastic garbage bags, ties and toilet paper for personal sanitation
First aid kit
Map of the area for evacuation or for locating shelters
A whistle to signal for help
Moist towelettes
Clothing and Bedding
If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is
possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your
clothing and bedding supplies once a year to account for growing children and
other changes.
Have at least one complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person
including:
A jacket or coat
Long pants
A long sleeve shirt
Sturdy shoes
A hat and gloves
A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
Tools
The basics of survival: water, food, and clean air are essential, but some of
the following items may make a time of crisis more comfortable:
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or a print out of this
information
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Cash or traveler's checks, change
Non-electric can opener, utility knife
Paper towels
Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Sanitation
Toilet paper, towelettes
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted 9 parts water to one part bleach),
or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular
household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or
bleaches with added cleaners.
Important Family Documents
Keep copies of important family records such as insurance policies,
identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
Make a Kit - Special Needs Items
Water & Food | Clean Air | First Aid Kit | Supply Checklists | Special Needs
Items
SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS
Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants, the elderly and
persons with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes
a little more, to be prepared for a terrorist attack.
For Baby:
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
Moist Towelettes
Diaper rash ointment
For Adults:
Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high
blood pressure medication, insulin and other prescription drugs.
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
For more information on supplies, see "Your Family Disaster Supply Kit" from
American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency
For Seniors:
Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help.
Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers.
Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies.
Teach others how to operate necessary equipment.
Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers.
Additional supplies for Seniors:
List of prescription medications including dosage in your supply kits. Include
any allergies.
Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in your supply kit.
A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers in
your emergency supply kits.
Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards.
List of doctors and emergency contacts.
For People with Disabilities:
Create a support network to help in an emergency.
Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
Contact your city or county government's emergency information management
office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be
located quickly in a sudden emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the
location and availability of more than one facility.
Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is
collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities:
Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any
allergies.
Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen.
Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices.
Medical insurance and Medicare cards.
List of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.
For more information on supplies, see "Your Family Disaster Supply Kit" from
American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
For more information on special needs, see Disaster Preparedness For People With
Disabilities from FEMA, and Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors from
the Red Cross.
Make a Plan - Creating a Family Plan
Creating a Family Plan | Deciding to Stay or Go | At Work and School | In a
Moving Vehicle | In a High-Rise Building
CREATING A FAMILY PLAN
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will
contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.
It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so
an out-of-state contact may be in a better position to communicate among
separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a
prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system maybe down
altogether, but be patient.
Emergency Information
Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to
occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your
attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast
via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a
telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door.
Call the closest chapter of the American Red Cross for emergency information
that applies to your community.
Emergency Plans
You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family
spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering
to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in
the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your
family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate
with others in advance. Read more: At Work and School.
For more information, see "Family Disaster Planning" from American Red Cross
Make a Plan - Deciding to Stay or Go
Creating a Family Plan | Deciding to Stay or Go | At Work and School | In a
Moving Vehicle | In a High-Rise Building
DECIDING TO STAY OR GO
Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first
important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand
and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and available information,
including what you are learning here, to determine if there is immediate danger.
In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to
provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you
should monitor TV or radio news reports for information or official instructions
as they become available. If you're specifically told to evacuate or seek
medical treatment, do so immediately.
Staying Put
Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it's
simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside.
There are other circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between
yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as
"shelter-in-place," is a matter of survival. Use available information to assess
the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local
authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of
action.
To "Shelter-in-Place:"
Bring your family and pets inside.
Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.
Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been
contaminated.
Go into an interior room with few windows, if possible.
Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Consider measuring and cutting the sheeting in advance to save time.
Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you
create a barrier between yourself and any contamination.
Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is
happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the
radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they
become available.
Getting Away
There may be conditions under which you will decide to get away, or there may be
situations when you are ordered to leave. Plan how you will assemble your family
and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destinations in different
directions so you have options in an emergency.
Create an evacuation plan:
Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your
immediate neighborhood.
If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times in case
you need to evacuate.
Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of
your area.
If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to.
Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been
contaminated.
Lock the door behind you.
Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be
permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an
emergency.
If time allows:
Call or email the "out-of-state" contact in your family communications plan.
Tell them where you are going.
If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water,
gas and electricity before leaving.
Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
Learn how and when to turn off utilities:
If there is damage to your home or you are instructed to turn off your
utilities:
Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves.
Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.
Teach family members how to turn off utilities.
If you turn the gas off, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to
do this yourself.
Plan for your pets:
Pets should not be left behind, but understand that only service animals may be
permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an
emergency.
Store extra food, water and supplies for your pet.
For more information see: "Animal Safety - Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared" from
American Red Cross.
Make a Plan - At Work and School
Creating a Family Plan | Deciding to Stay or Go | At Work and School | In a
Moving Vehicle | In a High-Rise Building
AT WORK AND SCHOOL
Like individuals and families, schools, daycare providers, workplaces,
neighborhoods and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency
plans.
Ask about plans at the places where your family spends the most time: work,
school and other places you frequent. If none exist, consider volunteering to
help develop one. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and
loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead, and communicate with others
in advance.
For more information on working together, visit Citizen Corps.
Neighborhoods and Apartment Buildings
A community working together during an emergency makes sense.
Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together during an emergency.
Find out if anyone has specialized equipment like a power generator, or
expertise such as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis.
Decide who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
Make back-up plans for children in case you can't get home in an emergency.
Sharing plans and communicating in advance is a good strategy.
Schools and Daycare
If you are a parent, or guardian of an elderly or disabled adult, make sure
schools and daycare providers have emergency response plans.
Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis.
Ask if they store adequate food, water and other basic supplies.
Find out if they are prepared to "shelter-in-place" if need be, and where they
plan to go if they must get away.
Employers
If you are an employer, make sure your workplace has a building evacuation plan
that is regularly practiced.
Take a critical look at your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to
determine if it is secure or if it could feasibly be upgraded to better filter
potential contaminants, and be sure you know how to turn it off if you need to.
Think about what to do if your employees can't go home.
Make sure you have appropriate supplies on hand.
Read more at Make a Kit and Staying Put.
For more information on specific building threats, see "Protecting Building
Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks" from
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Make a Plan - In a Moving Vehicle
Creating a Family Plan | Deciding to Stay or Go | At Work and School | In a
Moving Vehicle | In a High-Rise Building
IN A MOVING VEHICLE
If there is an explosion or other factor that makes it difficult to control the
vehicle, pull over, stop the car and set the parking brake.
If the emergency could impact the physical stability of the roadway, avoid
overpasses, bridges, power lines, signs and other hazards.
If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock, stay
inside until a trained person removes the wire.
Listen to the radio for information and instructions as they become available.
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Make a Plan - In a High-Rise Building
Creating a Family Plan | Deciding to Stay or Go | At Work and School | In a
Moving Vehicle | In a High-Rise Building
IN A HIGH-RISE BUILDING
Note where the closest emergency exit is.
Be sure you know another way out in case your first choice is blocked.
Take cover against a desk or table if things are falling.
Move away from file cabinets, bookshelves or other things that might fall.
Face away from windows and glass.
Move away from exterior walls.
Determine if you should stay put, "shelter-in-place" or get away.
Listen for and follow instructions.
Take your emergency supply kit, unless there is reason to believe it has been
contaminated.
Do not use elevators.
Stay to the right while going down stairwells to allow emergency workers to come
up.
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Be Informed - Biological Threat
Overview | If There is a Biological Threat | Protect Yourself | Symptoms and
Hygiene
OVERVIEW
A biological attack is the deliberate release of germs or other biological
substances that can make you sick. Many agents must be inhaled, enter through a
cut in the skin or be eaten to make you sick. Some biological agents, such as
anthrax, do not cause contagious diseases. Others, like the smallpox virus, can
result in diseases you can catch from other people.
If there is a Biological Threat
Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may or may not be immediately obvious.
While it is possible that you will see signs of a biological attack, as was
sometimes the case with the anthrax mailings, it is perhaps more likely that
local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness or there will
be a wave of sick people seeking emergency medical attention. You will probably
learn of the danger through an emergency radio or TV broadcast, or some other
signal used in your community. You might get a telephone call or emergency
response workers may come to your door.
In the event of a biological attack, public health officials may not immediately
be able to provide information on what you should do. It will take time to
determine exactly what the illness is, how it should be treated, and who is in
danger. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet
for official news including the following:
Are you in the group or area authorities consider in danger?
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Are medications or vaccines being distributed?
Where?
Who should get them?
Where should you seek emergency medical care if you become sick?
Protect Yourself
If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious release of an unknown substance
nearby, it doesn't hurt to protect yourself. Quickly get away. Cover your mouth
and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow
breathing. Examples include two to three layers of cotton such as a t-shirt,
handkerchief or towel. Otherwise, several layers of tissue or paper towels may
help. Wash with soap and water and contact authorities.
Symptoms and Hygiene
At the time of a declared biological emergency, if a family member becomes sick,
it is important to be suspicious. Do not automatically assume, however, that you
should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is the result of the
biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap. Use common
sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek
medical advice.
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Be Informed - Chemical Threat
A chemical attack is the deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that
can poison people and the environment.
Possible Signs of Chemical Threat
Many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble
breathing or losing coordination.
Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals are also cause for suspicion.
If You See Signs of Chemical Attack
Quickly try to define the impacted area or where the chemical is coming from, if
possible.
Take immediate action to get away.
If the chemical is inside a building where you are, get out of the building
without passing through the contaminated area, if possible.
Otherwise, it may be better to move as far away from where you suspect the
chemical release is and "shelter-in-place." Read more at Staying Put
If you are outside, quickly decide what is the fastest escape from the chemical
threat. Consider if you can get out of the area, or if you should follow plans
to "shelter-in-place."
If You Think You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical
If your eyes are watering, your skin is stinging, and you are having trouble
breathing, you may have been exposed to a chemical.
If you think you may have been exposed to a chemical, strip immediately and
wash.
Look for a hose, fountain, or any source of water, and wash with soap if
possible, being sure not to scrub the chemical into your skin.
Seek emergency medical attention.
For more information, see "Are you Ready?" from Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
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Be Informed - Explosions
If There is an Explosion
Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.
Exit the building ASAP.
Do not use elevators.
Check for fire and other hazards.
Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.
If There is a Fire
Exit the building ASAP.
Crawl low if there is smoke
Use a wet cloth, if possible, to cover your nose and mouth.
Use the back of your hand to feel the upper, lower, and middle parts of closed
doors.
If the door is not hot, brace yourself against it and open slowly.
If the door is hot, do not open it. Look for another way out.
Do not use elevators
If you catch fire, do not run. Stop-drop-and-roll to put out the fire.
If you are at home, go to a previously designated meeting place.
Account for your family members and carefully supervise small children.
Never go back into a burning building.
If You Are Trapped in Debris
If possible, use a flashlight to signal your location to rescuers.
Avoid unnecessary movement so that you don't kick up dust.
Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand. (Dense-weave cotton
material can act as a good filter. Try to breathe through the material.)
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
If possible, use a whistle to signal rescuers.
Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous
amounts of dust.
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Be Informed - Nuclear Blast
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure
wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and
ground surfaces for miles around. While experts may predict at this time that a
nuclear attack is less likely than other types, terrorism by its nature is
unpredictable.
If There is a Nuclear Blast
Take cover immediately, below ground if possible, though any shield or shelter
will help protect you from the immediate effects of the blast and the pressure
wave.
Quickly assess the situation.
Consider if you can get out of the area or if it would be better to go inside a
building and follow your plan to "shelter-in-place."
In order to limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about
shielding, distance and time.
Shielding: If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive
materials more of the radiation will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to
less.
Distance: The farther away you are from the blast and the fallout the lower your
exposure.
Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.
Use available information to assess the situation. If there is a significant
radiation threat, health care authorities may or may not advise you to take
potassium iodide. Potassium iodide is the same stuff added to your table salt to
make it iodized. It may or may not protect your thyroid gland, which is
particularly vulnerable, from radioactive iodine exposure. Consider keeping
potassium iodide in your emergency kit, learn what the appropriate doses are for
each of your family members. Plan to speak with your health care provider in
advance about what makes sense for your family.
For more information, see Potassium Iodide from Center for Disease Control.
Be Informed - Radiation
A radiation threat or "Dirty Bomb" is the use of common explosives to spread
radioactive materials over a targeted area. It is not a nuclear blast. The force
of the explosion and radioactive contamination will be more localized. While the
blast will be immediately obvious, the presence of radiation will not be clearly
defined until trained personnel with specialized equipment are on the scene. As
with any radiation, you want to try to limit exposure.
If There is a Radiation Threat or "Dirty Bomb"
To limit the amount of radiation you are exposed to, think about shielding,
distance and time.
Shielding: If you have a thick shield between yourself and the radioactive
materials more of the radiation will be absorbed, and you will be exposed to
less.
Distance: The farther away you are away from the blast and the fallout the lower
your exposure.
Time: Minimizing time spent exposed will also reduce your risk.
As with any emergency, local authorities may not be able to immediately provide
information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should
watch TV, listen to the radio, or check the Internet often for official news and
information as it becomes available.