Chemical
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: Find Clean Air Quickly
- 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.
- If you can’t get out of the building or find clean air without passing through the area where you see signs of a chemical attack, it may be better to move as far away as possible and “shelter-in-place.
- If you are outside, quickly decide what is the fastest way to find clean air. Consider if you can get out of the area or if you should go inside the closest building and “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.
Explosions
- Take shelter against your desk or a sturdy table.
- Exit the building as soon as possible.
- Do not use elevators.
- Check for fire and other hazards.
- Take your emergency supply kit if time allows.
If There is a Fire After an Explosion
- Exit the building as soon as possible.
- 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 After an Explosion
- 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.