© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation CA117

AVOIDING EXPOSURE

TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS

AVOIDING EXPOSURE

TO CHEMICAL WARFARE AGENTS

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation

OBJECTIVE

CA118

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

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE

• In case of accidental release of toxic chemical warfare agent, public should do everything possible to avoid exposure– evacuation

– sheltering-in-place

CA119

Sheltering-in-place

Evacuation

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation

• Removing individuals from an area of actual or potential hazard to safe area

• Most effective if completed before arrival of toxic plume

CA120

EVACUATION

Evacuation

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation

EVACUATION

CA121

• 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

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation CA122

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

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation CA123

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

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation CA124

SHELTERING-IN-PLACE

• Would be advised if no time to evacuate• Citizens should have room in their home prepared in

accordance with local plan

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation

• 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

CA125

SHELTERING-IN-PLACE

Sheltering-in-place

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation CA126

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

© 1999 Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation

• 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

CA127

HOW TO SELF- OR BUDDY-DECON

CSEPP recommended decontamination solution

Flush eyes with clear water