Chemical & Bioterror
While the effects and circumstances of a chemical attack or leak or bioterror event are impossible to predict, you should be prepared to both evacuate the area and shelter in place while maintaining a safe environment. Medical supplies should be kept on hand to treat those affected, in addition to supplies for proper sanitation and the disposal of contaminated items.
Download the FEMA App, and sign up for Community Alerts.
Chemical & Bioterror Stockpiles Should Include:
The Basics
Refer to the Basic Stockpile List, including all items for Evacuating and Sheltering-In-Place.
Take special note of the following items: NOAA radio, first aid kit, plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors, complete change of clothing, sanitizers and disinfectants, gloves
N95 Respirators
N95 Respirators / What to know?
Use an N95 respirator for post-disaster cleanup. While plenty of face masks exist on the market, only N95 respirators provide medical-grade protection against infectious droplets and hazardous air particles. A proper N95 respirator will be National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved and FDA cleared for medical use. Non-FDA cleared masks are generally designed for industrial purposes that do not consider medical uses.
Note that:
• N95 means the respirator is capable of blocking out 95% of particulates in the air when properly worn.
• Despite the confusing name, a KN95 is not an N95 respirator. KN95s are unregulated and the majority provide inferior filtration.
• Avoid exhalation valves, which defeat the respirator’s ability to protect others from you.
• Pay close attention to authenticity given rampant counterfeits.
N95 Respirators / Where To Buy?
Air Purifier
An air purifier can capture unsafe droplets and push clean air back out into a room. Look for High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) certified filters, which can trap 99.7% of particles as small as .3 microns (the size of most penetrating air particles). Portable air filters can be moved from room to room, while others can be installed directly within your HVAC system.
You should also check to make sure your air conditioner comes equipped with high efficiency filters.
Chemical Protection Suit
When properly worn, a National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) certified hazmat suit will provide the best defense against many of the most dangerous chemical and biological threats.
