Since Sept. 11, 2001, many local governments in the Washington region have developed strategies to cope with emergencies, including possible chemical or biological attacks.
"Your Guide To Emergency Preparedness" was developed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. The document includes the following advice on how to protect your home in the event of such an attack:
A major chemical or biological emergency can happen when hazardous amounts of toxins are released into the environment. You can be exposed to chemical and biological toxins by:
Inhaling them. Swallowing contaminated food, water or medication. Touching or coming into contact with contaminated items.Many times you cannot see or smell anything unusual. In the event of a hazardous chemical or biological emergency, you will be given instructions by authorities. You may be told to evacuate, to move uphill and upwind of the release, to shelter in place, or to go to a designated facility. You may also be in the immediate vicinity of an incident and not realize the danger.
If you see people vomiting, in convulsions or acting disoriented, leave the area immediately and seek medical attention. If out of doors, check the wind and walk upwind to evacuate the area.
Emergency Shelter
When conditions warrant, local officials may instruct residents to seek shelter in their homes or officials may establish community-based shelters for local residents. Normally, shelters are set up in public schools, recreation centers or other appropri-ate facilities where residents can seek refuge as well as sleep and eat. Persons needing shelter are asked to bring a change of clothing, bathing and sanitary supplies, pre-filled prescription and other medical needs, denture and eye care materials, and special dietary supplies or requirements. With the exception of service animals, pets are generally not permitted in the shelters.
If local officials advise you to "shelter in place," they mean for you to remain indoors and protect yourself there. Take your children and pets indoors immediately. Get your disaster supplies kit, and make sure the radio is working. Go to an interior room without windows. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed. While gathering your family, you should:
Close all windows, exterior doors and fireplace dampers. Turn off all fans, heating, and air conditioning systems. Wet some towels and jam them in the cracks under the doors. Tape around the doors, windows, exhaust fans and vents. Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets, and heat registers. Close the window shades, blinds or curtains if you are told there is a danger of explosion. Stay inside and keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Loss of Electricity
Select a single room in the home in which the entire family can live - ideally a room that gets sunlight during daylight hours. Use fireplaces and wood-burning stoves with care, and always supervise them when burning. Make sure the fireplace is in proper working condition and has been inspected regularly. Never use charcoal as an indoor heat source; charcoal produces deadly carbon monoxide gas. Wear layers of clothing, including sweaters and coats, which hold warm air and help to maintain body heat for longer periods. For homes with natural gas heaters, keep meters and vents clear of ice and snow. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Food can be kept cold for a day or two if the doors are kept closed. During the winter, you may be able to store some items outside in a proper container. If temperatures are below freezing, it's possible to freeze water outside in containers and place them inside your refrigerator to help keep food cold. Try to consume perishable foods first. When in doubt, throw it out.To view this document in its entirety
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Emergency Preparedness Resources
