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AVOIDING EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS

AVOIDING EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS. CA117. OBJECTIVE. Describe the main ways the public can avoid exposure to a chemical warfare agent in the event of an accidental release off-site. CA118. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE.

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AVOIDING EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS

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  1. AVOIDING EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS CA117

  2. OBJECTIVE • Describe the main ways the public can avoid exposure to a chemical warfare agent in the event of an accidental release off-site CA118

  3. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE • In case of accidental release of toxic chemical warfare agent, public should do everything possible to avoid exposure • evacuation • sheltering-in-place Evacuation Sheltering-in-place CA119

  4. EVACUATION • Removing individuals from an area of actual or potential hazard to safe area • Most effective if completed before arrival of toxic plume Evacuation CA120

  5. EVACUATION • Evacuation planning involves • estimating number of potential evacuees with particular emphasis on special populations • identifying most appropriate evacuation routes • designating needed traffic control • estimating time needed for evacuation • anticipating problems • Tasks must be well coordinated with other emergency functions CA121

  6. CITIZENS SHOULD . . . • Be familiar with local evacuation plan • best evacuation routes • safe points for evacuees to congregate • detail reentry procedures • Know established notification procedures • Make their own personal plan • who will account for family members • who will drive whom • what routes will be taken • where will they shelter • what items to bring • what to do with pets CA122

  7. WHILE EVACUATING . . . • Evacuees should keep windows and vents closed • Turn vehicle’s heater or air conditioner off • cars have a high air exchange rate and do not provide effective shelter from vapor hazard • Keep radio on CA123

  8. SHELTERING-IN-PLACE • Would be advised if no time to evacuate • Citizens should have room in their home prepared in accordance with local plan CA124

  9. SHELTERING-IN-PLACE • Before entering prepared room • close windows, doors, and ventilators to house • turn off heating or air conditioner and fans • Once in prepared room • listen to television or radio broadcasts • After plume has passed • open up and vent house when advised • leave to safe area if advised Sheltering-in-place CA125

  10. SELF- AND BUDDY-DECONTAMINATION (DECON) • If suspect exposure to a chemical warfare agent, citizens should • wash any possible agent residue from body • change clothes • Hasty decontamination with available materials more effective at reducing exposure than careful decontamination later • Don’t wait for help to come, decontaminate self or team up with a buddy and decontaminate each other • buddy-decon best because it is faster and more thorough CA126

  11. HOW TO SELF- OR BUDDY-DECON • Flush exposed eyes with large quantities of clear water • Blot exposed skin areas thoroughly with either • undiluted chlorine bleach • soap and lukewarm water • Rinse well with clear water • In absence of above substances, use plain water Flush eyes with clear water CSEPP recommended decontamination solution CA127

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