Frequently Asked Questions

:: FAQ’s About Distance Education

Q: What is Bioterrorism?

Q: What are the most likely agents that will be used in a biological attack?

Q: What other agents may be used in a terrorist attack?

Q: How do I get information in the event of terrorist attack?

Q: Who will respond to a bioterrorist attack?

Q: What should I do to prepare?

Q: What should I consider in a family preparedness plan?

Q: What should I include in a 72-hour survival kit?

Q: Do I need a survival kit at work?

Q: Do I need a survival kit in my personal car?

Q: When do I evacuate a building?

Q: What should I do if I start experiencing anxiety about terrorism?

Q: Should I purchase a gas mask?

Q: Should I stock antibiotics?

Q: What should I do if I suspect an exposure to a biological agent?

Q: What should I do if I suspect an exposure to radiation?

Q: What should I do if I suspect an exposure to a chemical agent?

Q: What is Bioterrorism?

A: Bioterrorism is the deliberate release of infectious microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or their toxins into a community to produce fear, disease or death in people.

Q: What are the most likely agents that will be used in a biological attack?

A: Although it is unknown what agents will be used in a biological attack, several are identified as potential weapons. The ones with the greatest potential for use in a biological attack are classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as Category A agents because of their high potential to harm people and cause social disruption. The agents classified as Category A are: Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), Variola virus (Smallpox), Yersinia pestis (Plague), Clostridium botulinum (Botulism), Francisella tularensis (Tularemia), and Viral Hemorrhagic Fever viruses.   

Q: What other agents may be used in a terrorist attack?

A: Conventional weapons such as explosives have been the most common form of terrorism in American history. Terrorists may also try to use chemical and radiological substances to cause harm.

Q: How do I get information in the event of terrorist attack?

A: Government officials will instruct what actions should be taken after a terror event. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be activated and broadcast over radio, television and the internet. Local radio stations in Riverside County include KFRG 95.1 FM, KDES 104.7 FM, KSSE 97.5 (Spanish)

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Q: Who will respond to a bioterrorist attack?

A: The initial response to an incident will involve local Public Health departments including county Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response, county Emergency Medical Services as well local law, fire and FBI offices.

Q: What should I do to prepare?

A: Bioterrorism may be obvious or concealed. Nevertheless, there are things that you can do to anticipate for the unexpected. Such things include:

• Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activities to your local law enforcement agency. 

• Be informed about terrorism and possible agents that may be used for bioterrorism. This web site provides you with information and additional links pertaining to the different means of bioterrorism.

• Have a family preparedness plan. Planning guidelines for such emergencies are also provided in this web site. Please visit our section on Preparedness

Q: What should I consider in a family preparedness plan?

A: A family preparedness plan may include the following:

• An emergency communication plan. Since local phone lines are likely to be overloaded, an out-of town or state contact person will help maintain contact with family members. Ensure that the whole family has the contact person’s information such as a phone number, an e-mail address, cellular phone or pager number.

• Set-up a meeting place. A predetermined meeting place will decrease confusion should your area be evacuated.

• Put together a disaster preparedness kit. The events of September 11th proved that in critical times, vital services may be disrupted for up to 72 hours.

Q: What should I include in a 72-hour survival kit?

A: Below is a list of critical items for a 72-hour survival kit: Additional items may be added to fit your family’s individual needs.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries
• Whistle
• Hard hats
• Duct tape
• Fluorescent tape to rope dangerous areas
• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Cash
• Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Fire extinguisher (A-B-C) type
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Essential medicines and eyeglasses
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Charcoal grill or camp stove for outdoor cooking

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Q: Do I need a survival kit at work?

A: Yes, suggested items include the following:

• Portable radio
• Flashlight and batteries
• Set of comfortable clothes and shoes
• Gloves, blanket
• Tape recorder, whistle
• Ziplock bags, toilet tissue
• Food and bottled water
• Small first aid kit
• Medication, prescription glasses
• Emergency phone list in a waterproof bag

Q: Do I need a survival kit in my personal car?

A: Yes, suggested items include the following:

• Flares, fire extinguisher
• Map or road atlas
• Books, magazines, cards, large trash bags
• Non-perishable high energy food such as canned nuts

Q: When do I evacuate a building?

A: Evacuate whenever a fire alarm sounds, if you see or smell fire or smoke, or you have been instructed to do so by emergency personnel. Leave the building immediately if any of these situations occur. Do not assume that it is a false alarm. Remember that the building may need to be evacuated for reasons other than fire (chemical spills, violence, bomb threat, etc…)

Q: What should I do if I start experiencing anxiety about terrorism?

A: The events of September 11th challenged our sense of vulnerability and safety.  If your concerns are keeping you from going about your everyday activities, you may need to talk with someone. Please call the Riverside County Department of Mental Health’s Central Access Team at (800)706-7500

Q: Should I purchase a gas mask?

A: Many people have inquired about the use of gas masks for protection. There are many types of gas masks and not all protect against every agent.  In addition, gas masks may cause serious injuries, such as suffocation and death if used improperly. Should you decide to purchase a gas mask; the N-95 mask may be considered as an alternative. This type of paper mask is used in healthcare settings to protect against infection. However, during a civilian terrorist act, it is uncertain how efficient the N-95 would be. It is also unknown if the N-95 would be more efficient than other paper masks or a cotton undershirt wrapped around the mouth and the nose.

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Q: Should I stock antibiotics?

A: While antibiotics are effective against many germs, they are ineffective against viruses. Antibiotics are not a cure all against every possible germ. A biological agent attack is likely to be concealed, and therefore it is not recommended to take antibiotics as a preventive measure, since a variety of agents may be used in a bioterrorist attack, it is unknown what type of antibiotics to have at hand. Therefore, there is no reason for storing antibiotics.  Furthermore, antibiotic use may cause adverse reactions that are to be monitored by a healthcare professional.

Q: What should I do if I suspect an exposure to a biological agent?

A: Public health officials may not be able to provide information right away about a biological attack. It will take some time to determine what agent was used and who is in danger. Meanwhile, there are things that you can do to protect yourself. Stay informed by watching TV, listening to the radio or using the internet for official news concerning the following:

• Where the agent was released
• Who is affected
• Whether or not to evacuate or shelter in place
• Whether or not medications or vaccines are distributed
• Where to find medical attention should you become sick.

Q: What should I do if I suspect an exposure to radiation?

A: Try to limit your exposure to the radiation. A shield between yourself and the radioactive materials will absorb the radiation and therefore decrease the radiation you are exposed to. The farther away you are from the site of release and fallout, the lower the radiation exposure. The lesser the time spent in the area of release, the lesser risk for absorbing the radiation.

Q: What should I do if I suspect an exposure to a chemical agent?

A: If you think you may have been exposed to a chemical, remove clothes immediately and wash with soap and warm water making sure not to scrub the chemical into your skin. Seek medical attention right away.

TEXT REFERENCES

Medical management of biological casualties (4thed). U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.   

Public Health Assessment of Potential Biological Terrorism Agents. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2002; 8(2).

Department of Homeland Security Publications

Ready.gov Preparedness Information

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