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If you are outside and you think that a chemical attack has occurred (birds and insects would be literally dropping out of the sky because they will be overcome by poisonous gas very quickly), you need to get a physical barrier between you and the toxic cloud.  Go inside very quickly—preferably to your house or a building, but a car will work also.  Shut all of the windows and doors, turn off the air conditioner or heater, and plug any air drafts, such as under the doors.  Call 911 and report the incident.  Monitor the television and radio for news.  See What should I do if I've been exposed to a chemical attack?

Leave the building immediately and avoid puddles.  If you were directly exposed to the toxic substance, follow the instructions under What should I do if I've been exposed to a chemical attack?  Removing your clothing as soon as possible, even if while still outside, can remove up to 80 percent of the contamination.  Look for a source of water such as a pool or fountain (jump right in) to decontaminate any skin that may have been exposed.  Remain calm while waiting for the rescue workers.

If you are in a car and are not in the immediate contaminated area, close windows, turn off vents and drive away from the area. Avoid going downwind of the area.  If you are in the contaminated area, seek shelter immediately. If you cannot get into a building to shelter, stay in your car with the windows rolled up, engine off, and vents closed.

You should move to a room in the interior of your house with no windows.  If you do not have an interior room, choose the room with the fewest number of windows and doors, such as a bathroom or large closet.  Make sure there is adequate space for your entire family.

Individuals should precut plastic sheeting to fit over the entire openings of windows and doors, including the frames. Plastic should also be cut to cover vents and ventilation fans.  Cut the plastic a minimum of 6" wider than the opening, which will make it easier to put up the sheets.  Use duct tape to keep the plastic sheeting in place.

That depends on what type of attack you are facing.  In a chemical attack, the agent is often released as a spray (aerosol) that is heavier than the air near the release site and so it will settle to the ground.  However, as the cloud is carried down wind, the concern about settling in low-lying areas is reduced.  With this in mind, the best room for sheltering-in-place is the room that is the most convenient for your family to quickly get to and seal and that is large enough to hold enough air for several hours.  In the case of a radiological or nuclear attack, the more shielding, distance and time you can take advantage of after such an attack, the less exposure you will face. The additional distance from the blast of a nuclear weapon provided by being below ground offers an increased level of protection.

Move quickly to a small room with the fewest windows and outdoor walls. Use any material in the area to block air from easily flowing into the room. This can include packing tape, rugs, plastic bags, newspaper or clothing. These are not the preferred materials for sealing a room, but would be better than taking no protective measures at all.

The Office of Emergency Management will work with other county departments and media channels to communicate to the public when an evacuation order is called.  In the event of any emergency, you should monitor your television and/or radio.  It is important to include evacuation plans in your Disaster Plan, so that you know where you are going ahead of time and what routes are possible.  Don’t forget to bring your disaster supply kit!

The use of gas masks and hoods by the public during a chemical threat is not recommended due to legitimate safety concerns.  Improper use of masks and hoods as well as a false sense of security as to their effectiveness could pose a threat to public safety.  For example, it is difficult to obtain a proper seal with the mask if you have facial hair such as a beard or long sideburns and protective masks do not fit small children.  A mask is only effective at protecting you if you are wearing it when a chemical release occurs.  Most likely, there would be no warning and so it is very unlikely that you would have the mask on at the appropriate time.

Stay away from glass.  Exit the building as quickly as possible and do not use elevators.  Be aware of fire, falling debris, and other hazards.  Don’t forget your emergency supply kit if time permits.

Try to move as little as possible and cover your mouth and nose with any type of cloth that is available to you.  Use a flashlight, a whistle, or tap in a steady beat to signal rescuers.  Avoid screaming because you will inhale heavily after the scream and you can possibly breathe in dangerous amounts of dust.