November 10, 2011

A Tactical (E-Z) Guide to Surviving Terrorist Attacks


·         Family Disaster Supplies Kit

o   At least 1 gallon of water per person per day

o   Unbreakable containers

o   Nonperishable packaged or canned food

§  Hand operated can opener

o   Nonprescription drugs

§  Aspirin

§  Antacids

§  Laxatives

o   Change of clothing

§  Rain gear

§  Sturdy shoes

§  Bandana

§  Hat

o   Thermal blankets & sleeping bags

o   First aid kit

o   Sanitation & personal hygiene

o   Battery-powered radio/flashlight

§  Extra batteries & bulbs

o   Cash

o   Outdoor items:

§  Compass

§  Matches (waterproof)

§  Tent

§  Plastic containers

o   Car Kit:

§  Booster cables

§  Fire extinguisher

§  Tire repair kit & pump

§  Maps

§  Flares

§  Full gas tank and container



How can I check the radiation levels in my area?

                Personnel dosimeter. Cover your mouth with a wet handkerchief!!!

A dosimeter will indicate the local level or gamma radiation and possibly neutron

There is a method of detecting chemical agents: Chemical Agent Detector Paper/Tape (M8 and M9)

-Capable of detecting G-series nerve agents (sarin, tabun, soman, and GF), V-type nerve agents, and H-type blister agents (mustard).



What should I do if I survive the blast?

                First and foremost, wet or dampen a cloth and place this over your mouth if a mask is not readily available. After a makeshift mask has been assembled, discard any and all outer clothing you may have on and begin washing any exposed areas of skin and hair. This will help to remove nearly 95% of the contaminants. A 0.5% hypochlorite solution (chemical decontamination) will also remove radiological contaminants. But if this is not available, soap and water will do the trick. Routinely decontaminate yourself and those around you as you come in contact with the affected environment.



Military Chemical Protective Equipment:

·         M40 Protective mask

·         Military attire: The Battle Dress Over garment

·         Military protective overboots

·         Military protective gloves



What symptoms may I experience during or after an attack (chem., bio., nuc.)?

1.       Dizziness, mental confusion, double or blurred vision

2.       Tingling of skin, numbness, or convulsions

3.       Formation of rashes or blisters

4.       Acute coughing

5.       Fever, headache, and fatigue

6.       Difficulty swallowing

7.       Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

8.       Bleeding from body openings; blood in urine, stool, or spit

9.       Burning, stinging, red eyes

10.   Shock



Taken from: The U.S. Armed Forces Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Survival Manual (Dick Couch, Captain, USNR, retired)




USEFUL LINKS:

·         U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID)

·         Military’s medical Online Information Server

·         Center for Disease Control

·         World Health Organization (WHO)

·         Army Field Manuals on Weapons of Mass Destruction

·         Tactical Gear Command

·         Information on Gas Masks

·         Red Cross Information Web Sites



·         Los Angles Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Information