What you should do in a 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.
• If you can’t get out of the building or find clean air without passing through the affected area, move as far away as possible and shelter-in-place.

If you are instructed to remain in your home or office building, you should:

• Close doors and windows and turn off all ventilation, including furnaces, air conditioners, vents, and fans.
• Seek shelter in an internal room with your disaster supplies kit.
• Seal the room with duct tape and plastic sheeting.
• Listen to the radio or television for instructions from authorities.

If you are caught in or near a contaminated area outdoors:

• Quickly decide what is the fastest way to find clean air:
  • Move away immediately, in a direction upwind of the source.
  • Find the closest building to shelter-in-place.

A person affected by a chemical agent requires immediate medical attention from a professional. If medical help is not immediately available, decontaminate yourself and assist in decontaminating others.

Decontamination guidelines are as follows:

• Use extreme caution when helping others who have been exposed to chemical agents.
• Remove all clothing and other items in contact with the body.
  • Cut off clothing normally removed over the head to avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Put contaminated clothing and items into a plastic bag and seal it.
  • Remove eyeglasses or contact lenses. Put glasses in a pan of household bleach to decontaminate them and then rinse and dry.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Flush eyes with water.
• Gently wash face and hair with soap and water before thoroughly rinsing with water.
• Proceed to a medical facility for screening and professional treatment.