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 what the illness is, how it should be treated, and who is in danger. Watch television, listen to radio, or check the Internet for official news and information including signs and symptoms of the disease, areas in danger, if medications or vaccinations are being distributed, and where you should seek medical attention if you become ill.
The first evidence of an attack may be when you notice symptoms of the disease caused by exposure to an agent. Be suspicious of any symptoms you notice, but do not assume that any illness is a result of the attack. Use common sense and practice good hygiene.
If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:
- Move away quickly.
- Wash with soap and water.
- Contact authorities.
- Listen to the media for official instructions.
- Seek medical attention if you become sick.
If you are exposed to a biological agent:
- Remove and bag your clothes and personal items. Follow official instructions for disposal of contaminated items.
- Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes.
- Seek medical assistance. You may be advised to stay away from others or even quarantined.
Using HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are useful in biological attacks. If you have a central heating and cooling system in your home with a HEPA filter, leave it on if it is running or turn the fan on if it is not running. Moving the air in the house through the filter will help remove the agents from the air. If you have a portable HEPA filter, take it with you to the internal room where you are seeking shelter and turn it on.
If you are in an apartment or office building that has a modern, central heating and cooling system, the system’s filtration should provide a relatively safe level of protection from outside biological contaminants.
HEPA filters will not filter chemical agents.
All information above is from the FEMA website.
For more information and resources on Terrorism Preparedness, please visit the web sites below.
US Department of Homeland Security – FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/
US Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/
Homeland Security National Terrorism Advisory System
http://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system
CDC – Center For Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
CDC – Bioterrorism
http://emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/
Ready Gov
http://www.ready.gov/