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Prepare and Respond
After an attack
Q: What should I do following a terrorist attack?
A: Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
If the attack occurs near you:
- Check for injuries. Seek medical assistance for seriously injured people.
- Check for fires or hazards. Shut off damaged utilities. Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, if possible turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
- Check for damage in your home. Use flashlights, do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Clean up spilled household flammables and poisonous liquids.
- Locate your emergency kit and keep it with you. If you don't have one make sure you have an adequate supply of water.
- Put your emergency plan into action. Call your family contact. Don't use the phone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Check on neighbors.
- Confine or secure your pets.
- Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Contaminated areas
Q: What should I do if I'm in an area where a biological or chemical weapon is used?
A: Follow these steps:
- Leave the area immediately. Cover your mouth and nose with any available material such as a napkin, cloth or newspaper.
- Close the door or section off the contaminated area to prevent others from entering. Turn off fans or ventilation units if possible.
- Remove contaminated clothing and place in sealed bags. Quickly rinse your eyes and exposed skin thoroughly with water.
- Summon nearby emergency help.
Coping mentally
Q: How will I know if I'm becoming suicidal?
A: If you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and think you may hurt yourself or others, immediately ask for support and guidance from family, friends, clergy, or a professional counselor. For crisis counseling, contact the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Victim Assistance Center at 1-800-331-0075 or your local medical provider.
Danger signals to watch for include:
- Thinking about suicide often.
- Being alone too much.
- Not being able to talk to other people about what you are feeling.
- Sudden changes in weight.
- Continued trouble sleeping.
- Using too much alcohol or other drugs, including prescription drugs.
Q: I don't want to hurt myself, but I feel overwhelmed. I think I need help. What should I do?
A: Take time to grieve and cry if you need to. Do not act like things are fine when they are not.
Healing begins by talking about what happened with people you trust.
Coping is easier when people support each other. Ask for support and help from your family, friends, church or other community resources. Join or develop support groups.
Some people find it helpful to talk with a professional counselor who has worked with other survivors. Talking with other victims of violent crime may also help you feel better understood and less alone.
Q: How can I find professional help or just someone to talk to?
A: To seek professional help, call your doctor or look in the phone book for listings under local mental health services or Department of Health Services. Health professionals will be listed under counseling, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, social and human services or mental health.
Q: Is there anything I can do to help myself heal emotionally?
A: There are some basic actions that may help you cope including:
- Get back to your everyday routine. Familiar habits can be comforting.
- Set small goals. Take one thing at a time, instead of trying to do everything at once.
- Simplify your life. If possible, delay making major decisions.
- Eat healthy food and taking time to exercise or relax. Avoid using alcohol or drugs that temporarily block pain but prevent healing.
- Make sure you get enough rest and sleep. When you are under stress you may need more sleep than usual.
- Do something that feels good. Take a warm bath or a walk. Sit in the sun or pet your cat and dog. Think about the things that give you hope and make a list of those things to read on the very bad days.
- Find small ways to comfort others can ease your own suffering. Find something positive to do or someone to help.
Disaster Kit
Q: What is a disaster kit and what should I keep in it?
A: A disaster kit contains items that can help you deal with an evacuation or confinement. There are six basics you should stock as part of your disaster supplies kit: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. You may already have these items in your household or workplace. (See also workplace disaster supplies kit.)
- Keep items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a large, covered storage bin, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.
- Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
- Keep a smaller version of the kit in the trunk of your car. Prepare a separate kit for your pet or add items for pet care in your kit.
- Change stored water and food every 6 months.
Tips for assembling a disaster supplies kit:
Water
- Store 1 gallon of water per person per day –– 2 quarts for drinking and 2 quarts for food preparation.
- Keep at least a three-day supply per person for drinking, food preparation and sanitation. A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water daily. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that need. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
- Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
Food
- Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
- Include:
- Ready to eat canned meat, fruits and vegetables.
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water).
- Staples – sugar, salt, pepper.
- High-energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix.
- Baby formula and bottles, and powdered milk.
- Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags.
First aid kit
- Assemble a first aid kit ( or replenish existing ones) for your home and one for each car. A well-stocked first aid kit should include the following items:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, 2" and 4" sterile gauze pads (4-6 of each), 2" and 3" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls of each).
- Triangular bandages, assorted safety pins.
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape.
- Latex gloves.
- Scissors, tweezers, needles.
- Moistened towelettes, antiseptic.
- Prescription medications – store in waterproof container, keep prescription records accessible and current. Add a medicine dropper and cooler if needed.
- Dentures, contact lenses and eyewear.
- Thermometer.
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant.
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever.
- Anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative.
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by your poison control center).
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by your poison control center).
Tools and supplies
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries. Tape the call letters and frequency numbers of your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) station on the radio and make sure everyone knows how to work the radio and put in fresh batteries.
- Emergency preparedness manual.
- Flashlight and extra batteries and bulbs.
- Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type.
- Utility knife, non-electric can opener, pliers, shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water.
- Duct tape, aluminum foil.
- Matches in a waterproof container.
- Compass, signal flare, map of the area (for locating shelters).
- Pencil, paper, needles, thread.
- Whistle.
- Plastic storage containers, mess kit or paper plates, cups and plastic utensils.
Sanitation supplies
- Toilet paper, towelettes.
- Soap, liquid detergent.
- Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags, plastic 5-gallon bucket with secure lid.
- Disinfectant, household chlorine bleach.
Clothing and bedding
- At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person – sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, hat and gloves, thermal underwear.
- Blankets or sleeping bags. Two blankets per person or one sleeping bag per person.
- Protective eye gear such as sunglasses, goggles or safety glasses.
Special items
These are items for family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Include items such as diapers and specific care items. You might also want to add a few entertainment items such as games and books. Include items your pets may need.
Important family documents
Keep these records in a waterproof portable container:
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds.
- Passports, social security cards, immunization records.
- Bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and companies.
- Inventory of valuable household goods.
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
- Important telephone numbers.
Car mini-survival kit
- Non-perishable food stored in clean coffee cans.
- Bottled water.
- First aid kit and book, local maps.
- Flares.
- Fire extinguisher – ABC type.
- Blanket or sleeping bag.
- Sealable plastic bags.
- Flashlight with fresh and spare batteries and bulb.
- Essential medication.
- Tools – screwdriver, pliers.
- Short rubber hose – for siphoning gas.
- Roll of toilet paper, pre-moistened towelettes.
- Warm protective clothing, rain gear, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes or boots.
Evacuation plan
Q: What does it mean to evacuate? What should I do if I'm told to evacuate?
A: In an emergency, "to evacuate" means to leave, withdraw or depart from a place or area as a protective measure. Local, state or federal authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection when disaster threatens. When this decision is made they will issue an evacuation order. This order will tell you when you need to leave your home or area.
- Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio and television station when disaster threatens for detailed information and instruction.
- It is important to listen carefully to all instructions.
- Make sure the evacuation order applies to you.
- Find out if you need to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials.
- Local government officials will designate evacuation assembly centers or other facilities offering the greatest level of public safety. The population will be instructed on where to go and the best routes to leave the area. Find out where you need to go and what route to take.
- Listen to your EAS station while driving to a shelter for updated information and instruction.
Q: If I'm told to leave my home or office immediately? What should I take with me?
A: If you are told to evacuate immediately:
- Check on neighbors or coworkers to make sure they have been notified, and offer help to those with disabilities or other special needs. If you need a ride, ask a neighbor or coworker. If no one is available to help you, listen to the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for further instructions.
- Locate and keep your disaster supplies kit with you. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes, hats, gloves and eyeglasses.
- Continue to listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction from local emergency officials. They will have the most accurate information specific to an event in your area.
- Use travel routes specified by local authorities. Don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
You can do the following, only if you are sure you have extra time:
- Call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
- Provide for your pets. Pets are not permitted in public shelters.
- Gather a change of clothing for each family member, personal items such as toothbrushes, eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures and items for your baby such as diapers, formula or baby food.
- Shut off water and electricity before leaving. Leave natural gas service ON, unless local officials advise otherwise. Lock your doors and windows.
Q: Are there any special precautions I should take while I'm driving to the shelter?
A: Take the following precautions:
- Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut may put you in the path of danger. For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take.
- Take only one car to the evacuation site.
- Close your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air conditioner.
- If possible, continue to listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for updated information and instruction.
Q: If a terrorist attack occurs during the day my children will most likely be in school, how will I be able to take care of them?
A: In an emergency, your children may be sheltered in place or evacuated from school. Do not go to the school. School personnel are trained to handle emergencies.
- Do not call your child's school. You could tie up a phone line that is needed for emergency communications.
- For further information, listen to local Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) radio and TV stations to learn when and where you can pick up your children.
- You can check with your children's schools prior to an emergency to see what protective plans they have in place.
Explosions
Q: If there's an explosion what should I do?
A: Following an explosion leave the area immediately if you can. In a building explosion locate the nearest emergency exit and get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.
If there is a fire:
- Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth, stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
- When approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door. If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If it is hot to the touch, DO NOT open the door – seek an alternate escape route.
- Stay below the smoke at all times. Smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.
If you are trapped in debris:
- If possible, search for an escape route. In some buildings, you may be able to break through wallboard or climb through a false ceiling to another unblocked room.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort—shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
- Use a flashlight if needed. Do not turn on light switches or light a match.
If you are in the immediate area, yet not incapacitated by the explosion you should:
- Seek medical assistance for seriously injured people.
- Do not enter collapsed buildings or go closer to the site of the explosion. Do not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building unless you are trained to do so. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
- Check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fire, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. Shut off any other damaged utilities.
- Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
Q: The police say I can't go near the explosion site and check on my family and pets. Why?
A: For the following reasons:
- There may be a delayed explosion from a "secondary device." Terrorists use a variety of distraction techniques such as small explosions to attract attention and crowds. Once an audience of bystanders and emergency responders has assembled, a larger, more powerful explosion may be detonated. Stay clear of the immediate area where the detonation occurred.
- Bombs or explosive materials that have not completely detonated are extremely dangerous. Fragmented pieces of sensitive material may be scattered throughout the incident site after an incomplete explosion. Any shock, impact or heating of the materials may cause the material to explode. Do not touch anything.
- If other agents such as biological, radiological or chemical agents were part of the bomb the scene may be contaminated. The scene should not be entered until appropriate monitoring is in place
- There will soon be numerous personnel at the site and the site will be handled as a crime scene. A crime scene is full of evidence, some of which is very small. Extra care should be taken to insure that evidence is not moved or destroyed.
Q: Explosions happen quickly. Is there any way that I can prepare for an explosion?
A: You can take some basic precautions:
- Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where fire exits are located.
- Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where they are located, and how to use them.
- Learn first aid.
Keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of a multi-level building:
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
- Several flashlights and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Several hard hats.
- Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.
- A small disaster supplies kit, which should contain water, small high-energy foods and a whistle.
First Aid
Q: There has been an explosion of some kind. There are terrible injuries and no ambulance has arrived. What should I do? I don't know basic first aid.
A: Do not approach the scene or remain in the area unless advised to do so by your local authorities. Following an explosion there is always the possibility of a second device designed to injure or kill first responders or bystanders. If you enter the scene before proper precautions are taken and authorities have determined it is safe you could become another victim.
You should:
- Call for medical assistance.
- Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
- When you are advised that it is safe to remain in the area, check victims for unconsciousness and life-threatening situations. Someone who has a life-threatening condition such as not breathing or severe bleeding requires immediate care by trained responders.
- Seek medical assistance or ask if someone is trained in first aid procedure.
- If trained help is not available and you provide assistance, remember to protect yourself while administering first aid.
- Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids. If possible, use protective equipment, such as disposable gloves.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care.
Basic first aid steps, recommended by the Red Cross:
- Control bleeding
- Cover the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound (direct pressure).
- Elevate injured areas above the level of the heart, if you do not suspect that the victim has a broken bone.
- Cover the dressing with a roller bandage.
- If the bleeding does not stop apply additional dressings and bandages and using a pressure point squeeze the artery against the bone.
- Care for shock:
- Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated.
- Elevate the legs about 12 inches (if broken bones are not suspected).
- Do not give food or drink to the victim.
- Tend burns:
- Stop the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water.
- Cover the burn with dry, clean dressing or cloth.
- Care for injuries to muscles, bones and joints:
- Rest the injured part.
- Avoid any movement or activity that causes pain.
- If you must move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try to immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving.
- Administer CPR:
- If you have training, administer CPR to someone who stops breathing and has no pulse, or locate someone else who can administer CPR.
Food
Q: What kind of food supply should I have on hand in case there is a terrorist incident?
A: It is always a good idea to have a supply of food on hand that will last two weeks. The easiest way to develop a two-week stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves.
If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or even go without food for many days.
Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein. Don't stockpile salty foods, since they will make you thirsty.
Special considerations:
- Try to include foods you will enjoy that are also high in calories and nutrition.
- The best foods to include are those that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking. Stock foods geared for special diets and allergies.
- Nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse.
- Don't forget nonperishable foods for your pets.
Storage tips:
- Keep food in a dry, cool spot – a dark area if possible.
- Keep food covered at all times. Open food boxes or cans carefully so that you can close them tightly after each use. Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air tight cans to protect them from pests.
- Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use. Use foods before they go bad, and replace with fresh supplies, date with ink or marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.
Nutrition tips:
- Eat at least one well-balanced meal each day. During and right after a disaster, it is vital to maintain strength. You will need to take in enough calories to enable you to do any necessary work.
- Drink enough liquid to enable your body to function properly.
- Include vitamin, mineral and protein supplements in your stockpile to assure adequate nutrition.
Shelf life of common foods:
- Use these foods within 6 months: Powdered milk (boxed), dried fruit (in metal container), dry, crisp crackers (in metal container), potatoes.
- Use these foods within one year: Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups, canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables, ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers), peanut butter, jelly, hard candy and canned nuts, vitamin C,
- These foods may be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions): Wheat, vegetable oils, dried corn, baking powder, soybeans, instant coffee, tea and cocoa, salt, white rice, bouillon products, dry pasta, powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans).
In the event of a power failure:
- Frozen or refrigerated foods warmed to above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours are not safe to eat. Frozen foods that thaw completely and warm to temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit should be cooked and eaten immediately or discarded. After cooking, items can be refrozen or canned.
- Foods in a freezer without power may stay frozen from one to three days if the door remains closed, the freezer is nearly full, the temperature outside is moderate and the freezer is large and well insulated.
- Cooking following a power failure:
- Never use charcoal, gas grills or camp stoves that use gasoline or solid fuel indoors. You risk both asphyxiation from carbon monoxide and the chance of starting a destructive fire.
- Wood can be used for indoor cooking in wood stoves or fireplaces if the chimney and stove pipes are undamaged.
Pets
Q: If there is a terrorist incident, what should I do with my pets?
A: Arrange for your pets as part of your household disaster planning.
- For health and space reasons, pets are not allowed in public emergency shelters. Most states do allow trained guide dogs for persons with disabilities to stay in emergency shelters with their owners.
- If you must evacuate your home and you are going to a friend or relative's home or to a pet-friendly motel, it's always best to take your pets with you. Plan ahead to find out where you can stay with pets. Pets may not survive if you leave them behind.
- However, if you have to leave your pets behind, make sure you have a plan to ensure their care.
Tips for preparing pets for emergencies:
- Prior to an emergency, contact your local animal shelter, humane society, veterinarian or emergency management office for information on caring for pets in an emergency.
- Prior to an emergency, find out if there will be any shelters set-up to take in pets during an emergency. Sometimes veterinarians will take in pets during an emergency. Identify several possible locations you can take your animals should you have to evacuate.
- Train your pet to be comfortable in a roomy pet carrier.
- If your pet is on medication or a special diet, find out from your veterinarian what you should do in case you have to leave your pet alone for several days. Try to keep an extra supply of medications on hand.
- Make sure your pet has a properly fitted comfortable collar (no choker or chain collars) with current tags including rabies and licenses.
- Keep your pet's shots current and have the records on hand. Most kennels require proof of current rabies and other vaccinations.
- When assembling emergency supplies for the household, include items for your pets. Keep a separate emergency bag packed for your pet with the items he will need such as food, his food and water dishes and a favorite toy. Include a leash, even if your pet is normally allowed to roam free.
- Include at least a one-week supply of water and food for your pet in your emergency supplies. Include plastic bags for disposing of your pet's waste.
- You should keep current photos of your pet with you in case he gets lost during the disaster. Include yourself in the photographs to show proof of guardianship.
- If pets must be left behind, do not leave them outside. Decide prior to an emergency where you can leave your pets in your home. Set up two separate safe places if you have both cats and dogs. Do not put them in the same room, even if they normally get along well. Avoid choosing rooms with hazards such as windows or hanging plants. Consider easy to clean areas such as bathrooms or utility rooms.
- If pets are left behind, use large capacity self-feeders, sturdy no-spill water dispensers and dry unappealing food so that they do not overeat. Companion birds must eat daily to survive. They will need special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food they eat.
- As you leave, place a notice outside in a visible area advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number or address where you can be located or a contact's number or address, as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.
Planning and preparing
Q: How can I help my family be prepared in case of a terrorist event or other disaster?
A: You can develop an emergency plan for your household or work place. Meet with your family or coworkers and prepare for a disaster before one occurs. You should:
- Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones. Teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency medical services number.
- Learn first aid and CPR. Have fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them properly.
- Determine the best escape routes from your home or office building. Find two ways out of each room. Find the safe spots in your home or office building for each type of disaster.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Stock emergency supplies. (See also workplace disaster supplies kit.)
- Have a battery-operated radio on hand with extra batteries. Identify your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio and television stations.
- Know how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home at the main switches. If tools are needed to disconnect these utilities, keep them nearby.
- Pick two places for your family to meet if you are separated during a disaster:
- Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
- Outside your neighborhood in case, you can't return home.
- Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
- Your selected contact should live far enough away that they are unlikely to be directly affected by the same event as you. They will need to know they are your contact.
- Make sure all family members know your contact's telephone numbers and/or e-mail address. Your children should have these numbers at school and the numbers should be at your workplace.
- Following a disaster, family members should know to call their contact and tell them where they are.
- Plan what to do in case of an evacuation. Know your children's schools' emergency plans.
- Decide how to provide for your pets.
- Meet with neighbors to develop a neighborhood plan.
- Practice and maintain your plan.
Sheltering in place
Q: What is sheltering in place?
A: "Shelter in place" means to stay indoors – in homes, schools, businesses or public buildings during an emergency incident. Sheltering in place may be used when there is little time to react to an incident – where it would be more dangerous to be outside attempting to evacuate than to remain where you are.
Q: How will I know when to shelter in place?
A: In the event of a major emergency, local authorities will notify you if you are to shelter in place. They will notify you by one of several methods:
- The order is usually announced over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station.
- A siren could sound.
- You may be called by telephone.
- Emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker.
- Officials could even come to your door.
Prior to an emergency, you can check with your local emergency manager to find out what notification system your locality will use to alert citizens to an emergency.
Q: What should I do when I'm instructed to shelter in place?
A: When local officials instruct you to shelter in place, you should do the following:
- If you are indoors, stay inside.
- Go indoors immediately if you are outside. If there are contaminants, you can provide a minimal amount of protection by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. If you have to gather up family members protect your body as much as possible.
- Bring pets inside, if you can safely do so.
- Locate and keep your family disaster supplies kit with you.
- Close all windows in your home.
- Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
- Go to an above ground room (not the basement, unless instructed to do so by local officials) with the fewest windows and doors. An interior room is the best. A bedroom with an adjoining bath is a good choice. Basement rooms should not be used during chemical emergencies. Basement rooms are best to use following nuclear releases.
- Wet some towels and jam them in the crack under the doors.
- If there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows. Lie flat on the floor in a protected area and cover your eyes.
- Stay in the room and listen to your local EAS station until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate.
- Sheltering in place at a workplace involves the same basic protective actions as sheltering in place in your home. Develop a plan in advance so everyone involved is aware of the sheltering procedures.
- If your children are at school, do not go there. School personnel are trained to care for the children and they will be sheltered in place at the school. Prior to an emergency, you can contact your school to see what type of plans they have in place for emergencies.
Suspicious packages or envelopes
Q: What should I do if I receive suspicious mail?
A: Report any suspicious mail to local authorities and take the following precautions.
If you haven't touched the suspicious item:
- Don't touch it. Alert others in the area about the item.
- Walk away from the envelope or package, leave the room, close the door and secure the area so no one can enter. Shut off the ventilation system if possible.
- If at work, notify a supervisor, security officer or law enforcement official. If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.
- Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces well with soap and water. Seek additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed people.
- If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when the suspicious letter or package was recognized. Make a list of persons who may have handled the package or letter. Give the lists to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.
If you are holding the suspicious item:
- Do not open it. Don't shake or empty the contents. Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow others to examine it.
- Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface. Do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents that may have spilled.
- Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope.
- Leave the room, close any doors and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
- If at work, notify a supervisor, security officer or law enforcement official. If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.
- Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces well with soap and water. Seek additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed people.
- If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled the package or letter. Give the list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.
Q: What kind of mail or package should be considered suspicious?
A: Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include inappropriate or unusual labeling such as:
- Excessive postage.
- Handwritten or poorly typed addresses.
- Not addressed to a specific person.
- Strange return address or no return address.
- Incorrect titles or a title without a name.
- Misspellings of common words.
- Restrictive marks, such as "personal," "confidential," do not X-ray."
- Threatening language.
- Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address
Appearance can also denote a suspicious package or envelope. Be suspicious of:
- Powdery substances felt through or appearing on the package or envelope.
- Oily stains, discolorations or odor.
- Lopsided or uneven envelopes or packages.
- Excessive packaging material such as masking tape or string.
- Excessive weight.
- Ticking sounds.
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil.
Suspicious substances
Q: What should I do if I find a suspicious substance?
A: Take the following steps:
- Don't touch the suspicious substance. Don't try to clean up a suspicious substance.
- Alert anyone nearby about the substance.
- Leave the room immediately and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
- Remove contaminated clothing and seal in bags. Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces well with soap and water.
- Seek assistance from local law enforcement or emergency medical personnel.
Terrorist threats
Q: What should I do if I receive a terrorist threat over the phone?
A: If you receive a threat:
- Get as much information from the caller as possible.
- Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said.
- Notify the police and the building management if applicable.
Ask questions about the threat:
- When and where is it going to occur?
- What kind of threat is it? What does it look like?
- What will trigger it? Are you responsible? Why?
- What is your address? What is your name?
Document characteristics about the caller:
- Is the voice familiar?
- Are there any distinguishing voice characteristics such as:
- Calm, angry, excited, slow, rapid, soft, loud, laughter, crying.
- Accent– regional, ethnic, foreign.
- Slurred, nasal, stutter, lisp or raspy.
- Throat-clearing, deep breathing, cracking voice or disguised voice.
- Any background noises, such as:
- Street, factory, house or office machinery noises.
- Voices, music, PA system, animal noises.
- Clear or static.
After you've been notified of a threat:
- Do not touch any suspicious packages.
- Clear the area and notify the police immediately.
- In evacuating a building, avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas.
- Do not block sidewalks or streets to be used by emergency officials.
Water supply
Q: Who is responsible for protecting Virginia's public water supply?
A: The Virginia Department of Health is responsible by law for all public water supplies. The Health Department, however, is not responsible for private water supplies or bottled water. The United States Food and Drug Administration regulates bottled water.
Q: Should I keep a supply of water on hand in case of a terrorist attack?
A: In general, emergency officials recommend that households keep a supply of water available for disasters and that they rotate the supply of bottled water about every six months.
If you are concerned about the reliability of your waterworks (or of your household well) during an emergency, you may want to keep on hand an available supply of commercially bottled water.
You should plan on a three-day emergency supply of about one-gallon per person in your household. That should give health authorities enough time to secure a supply of drinking water.
Q: Why can’t you let me know in advance what I should do in the event of a terrorist attack on the drinking water?
A: In a normal disaster, there are standardized procedures on transporting emergency water supplies, or disinfecting and using available water.
However, because of the uncertain nature of terrorist weapons of mass destruction, instructions or recommendations on what to do about your drinking water cannot be issued in advance. Typical recommendations for treatment or disinfection that usually work under expected conditions may not be the best method under the conditions that could result from the act of a terrorist.
Q: I heard an announcement that we’re not supposed to drink water from the tap. What do I do now?
A: Follow the recommendations broadcast over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station about the availability of safe water.
Q: Will I be notified if something is wrong with my water?
A: Your local waterworks (the utility or organization that sells you your drinking water) is responsible by law to notify the public if there is an identified health problem with the drinking water. This notice must be immediate (within 24 hours) if the threat is imminent or acute.
Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information about drinking water.
Q: Whom should I call if I have a concern about my drinking water?
A: If your drinking water tastes, smells or feels unusual, contact one of the following organizations before using the water:
- Your waterworks. If you buy your drinking water from a public or central water system, first contact your waterworks (the utility or organization to which you pay your water bill).
- The nearest Virginia Department of Health Engineering Field Office, if you can’t get the information you need.
- Your local health department, if you have your own household well.
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