What would you do in a terrorist attack?

There are four main types of terrorist attacks that can take place. The types are (Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear and Biological). Every one of them can effect you. We sincerely hope that none of these ever happen, but if they do, here are some tips on what should be done in case they do.

Chemical Attack, Radiological Attack, Nuclear Attack, Biological Attack

Preparatory Actions

To be able to make the appropriate responses in the event of an attack, you should take these actions ahead of time.

Gain understanding of what will be required to accomplish response actions in each type of terrorist attack: learn to recognize attack characteristics; understand the response actions.

Facilitate response actions by making plans and gathering information in advance: develop family communications plan; plan for long0term shelter; learn about appropriate kinds of medical treatment from medical professionals; discover building evacuation plans and potential shelters.

Ensure general emergency kit accounts for terrorist attacks: dust mask, battery-powered radio, duct tape and plastic sheeting.

Enhance protection through passive steps: weatherize home, install good-quality particulate filters.

Use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal windows, doors, vents, and other openings in a chemical attack. Use a dust mask, with a N95-rated particulate filter, to cover you nose and mouth in radiological, nuclear, and biological attacks.

Chemical Attack

What you will experience:

You will know that you are in a chemical attack because you will see many people who are nauseous, have blurred vision, and have difficulty breathing or because you see many sick or dead animals.

If attack is outdoors, and you are outdoors, take shelter quickly in the closest building, close all windows/doors, and shut off the flow of air. If inside, stay inside. Then, to the extent possible, move upstairs, find an interior room, and seal the room. Remain inside until told it is safe to leave , and then ventilate and vacate the shelter immediately.

If attack is indoors, follow chemical attack plans specific to your building. If these are not available, open windows and breathe fresh air. If open windows are not accessible, evacuate (using escape hood if available) by stairs to street or roof.

Once protected from chemical agent exposure, decontaminate by removing clothes and showering.

When conditions are safe to move about freely, seek medical treatment.

What you will experience:

You will know that an explosion has occurred by the blast and damage to buildings, but you will not know immediately whether it involves radioactive contamination.

If an explosion occurs outdoors or you are informed of an outside release of radiation and you are outside, cover nose and mouth and seek indoor shelter. If you are inside an undamaged building, stay there. Close windows and doors and shut down ventilations systems. Exit shelter when told it is safe.

If an explosion occurs inside your building or you are informed of a release of radiation, cover nose and mouth and go outside immediately.

Decontaminate by removing clothing and showering.

Relocate outside the contaminated zone, only if instructed to do so by public officials.

What you will experience:

You will know that you are in a nuclear attack by the bright flash, loud explosion, widespread destruction, intense heat, strong winds, and the rising of a mushroom cloud.

Move out of the path of the radio active fallout cloud as quickly as possible (less than 10 minutes when in immediate blast zone) and then find medical care immediately.

If it is not possible to move out of the path of the radioactive fallout cloud, take shelter as far underground as possible or if underground shelter is not available, seek shelter in the upper floors of a multistory building.

Find ways to cover skin, nose, and mouth, if it does not impede either evacuating the area or taking shelter.

If outside the radioactive fallout area, still take shelter to avoid any residual radiation.

What you will experience:

You are likely to learn about a biological attack only days later, when people develop symptoms of the disease and public health officials inform the public of the attack.

If symptomatic, immediately go to medical provider specified by public health officials for medical treatment.

If informed by public health officials of being potentially exposed, follow their guidance.
- For contagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation, surveillance, or quarantine.
  -If "in contact" with persons symptomatic with smallpox, obtain vaccination immediately.
- For noncontagious diseases, expect to receive medical evaluation.
  -For anthrax, obtain appropriate antibiotics quickly.

For all others, monitor for symptoms and, for contagious diseases, minimize contact with others.

Leave anthrax-affected area once on antibiotics if advised to do so by public health officials.