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Chemical Agents
Chemical agents are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic
effects on people, animals or plants. Most chemical agents cause serious
injuries or death.
Severity of injuries depends on the
type and amount of the chemical agent used, and the duration of
exposure.
Were a chemical agent attack to occur,
authorities would instruct citizens to either seek shelter where they
are and seal the premises or evacuate immediately. Exposure to chemical
agents can be fatal. Leaving the shelter to rescue or assist victims can
be a deadly decision. There is no assistance that the untrained can
offer that would likely be of any value to the victims of chemical
agents.
Possible Signs
of Chemical Threat
Many people suffering from
watery eyes, twitching, choking, having trouble breathing or losing
coordination.
Many sick or dead birds, fish or small animals are also cause for
suspicion.
If You See Signs of Chemical Attack
Quickly try to define the impacted area or
where the chemical is coming from, if possible.
Take immediate action to
get away.
If the chemical is inside a building
where you are, get out of the building without passing through the
contaminated area, if possible.
Otherwise, it may be better to move as far
away from where you suspect the chemical release is and
"shelter-in-place."
If you are outside, quickly decide what is the fastest escape
from the chemical threat. Consider if you can get out of the area, or if
you should follow plans to "shelter-in-place."
If You Think You Have Been Exposed to a Chemical
If your eyes are watering, your skin is stinging, and you are
having trouble breathing, you may have been exposed to a chemical.
If you think you may have been exposed
to a chemical, strip immediately and wash.
Look for a hose, fountain, or any
source of water, and wash with soap if
possible, being sure not to scrub the chemical into your skin.
Seek emergency medical
attention.
Additional information on specific chemical agents
may be found on the following web pages.
Chemical
Agents:
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