Protecting Your Home and Family from Hazardous Materials
In an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable world, the importance of preparing your family for chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies cannot be overstated. These emergencies can occur without warning and have devastating effects on unprepared communities. By taking proactive steps, families can mitigate risks and be equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively.
Hazardous Materials Exposure
Chemical Exposure Emergency
Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids, and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants and can be nefariously used when released in harmful amounts where people live, work, or play.
#1 Signs of Chemical Release
- Clumsiness
- Lack of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Irritation and burning in the skin, nose, throat, and lungs
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
- Headache & dizziness
- Nausea
- Cramps or diarrhea
- Changes in skin color
- Presence of dead insects and birds
#2 How to protect yourself
Chemical emergencies can unfold quickly and with little warning, releasing hazardous gases, vapors, or particles that can spread through the air and into homes. Because these incidents often give people only moments to react, understanding how to protect your indoor environment ahead of time and what to do during an event is essential.
HEPA Air Filtration
You can help protect your family by installing a HEPA air filtration system with activated carbon. This can help reduce the infiltration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from outdoor sources into your home. Here are some other things you can do to protect your family.
Upgrade to MERV‑13 or Higher HVAC Filters
If your HVAC system can support it, a MERV‑13 to MERV‑16 filter captures finer particulates that can carry adsorbed chemicals.
- Check manufacturer guidance to avoid overloading the blower motor.
- Replace filters on schedule - chemical adsorption capacity declines over time.
What to Do During a Chemical Event
- Cover Your Mouth and Nose: Use a cloth, sleeve, or mask to reduce inhalation of airborne chemicals while you move to safety
- Move Upwind and Uphill: If outdoors, walk away from the source and head upwind or uphill to avoid drifting vapors or heavier‑than‑air gases
- If Driving, Seal the Vehicle: Close windows, set ventilation to recirculate, and avoid driving through visible clouds, vapors, or spills
- Get Indoors Quickly: Enter the nearest building or your home and stay inside to reduce exposure to airborne chemicals
- Follow Official Instructions: Emergency alerts will tell you whether to evacuate or shelter‑in‑place based on the chemical involved and wind conditions
Sheltering‑in‑Place
- Bring Pets Inside: Animals are vulnerable to chemical vapors and should be secured indoors immediately
- Close and Lock All Openings: Shut exterior doors, windows, vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible to slow air movement
- Seal Gaps and Draft Points: Use plastic sheeting, towels, duct tape, or foil from your hazards kit to cover cracks around doors, windows, exhaust fans, and vents
- Shut Down Airflow: Turn off HVAC systems, whole‑house fans, and window units, or set systems to 100% recirculation to prevent outside air from entering
- Stay Put Until Cleared: Remain indoors until authorities confirm the air outside is safe or provide evacuation instructions
Creating a “Cleaner Room”
- Choose a Low‑Exposure Room: Select a room with few windows and minimal exterior walls to reduce potential entry points
- Bring Essential Supplies: Retrieve grab‑and‑go bags for each family member and pet if they are not already stored in the room
- Seal the Room: Use plastic sheeting, towels, or tape to seal gaps under doors, around windows, and over vents to create a temporary barrier against outside air
- Cover Your Nose and Mouth: Use a cloth, towel, or mask to reduce inhalation of any vapors that may have entered before sealing was complete
- Run a HEPA + Activated Carbon Air Purifier: Use a portable unit sized for the room to help reduce airborne chemicals and particulates
- Avoid Potentially Contaminated Food or Water: Do not eat or drink anything that may have been exposed to outside air during the incident
#3 Decontamination
If you are affected by a chemical agent, seek medical help immediately. If help is unavailable, the best action is to decontaminate yourself and help others do so, if possible.
Removal of Clothing and Other Items
- Removal: Remove all clothing and other items in contact with your body.
- Use Scissors: Cut away clothing rather than pulling it over your head to reduce the risk of contaminating your face, eyes, or lungs.
- Proper Disposal: Put contaminated clothing and items into a plastic bag and seal the bag.
- Removal of Eyewear: Remove eyeglasses or contact lenses. Clean eyeglasses with a recommended disinfectant or dilute bleach solutions that are safe for lenses, then rinse thoroughly and dry carefully.
Washing Exposed Areas
- Wash Hands: First, wash hands with soap and water.
- Wash Exposed Skin: Then, gently wash face, hair, and any exposed skin with soap and water before thoroughly rinsing with water.
- Eye Care: Flush eyes with water.
- When Helping Others: If helping someone decontaminate, immediately wash your hands and other exposed skin afterward.
Biological Exposure Emergency
A bioterror attack is the deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs (agents) that cause illness or death in people, animals, or plants. These biological substances are typically found in nature. They may also be intentionally modified to enhance their ability to cause disease, increase resistance to existing treatments, improve their transmission, and overall lethality.
#1 Transmission methods
Understanding how infectious diseases spread is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk during a biological emergency. Different pathogens move through the environment in different ways. Recognizing how illnesses spread allows you to take the right protective steps for each situation.
Respiratory Transmission
Pathogens that spread through the air via droplets or aerosols. These illnesses often move quickly through indoor spaces and crowded environments, making ventilation and respiratory protection especially important.
- Airborne Transmission: Pathogens spread through tiny droplets or aerosols released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Examples: influenza, COVID‑19, measles, tuberculosis
- Droplet Transmission: Larger respiratory droplets that travel short distances (typically within 3–6 feet). Examples: pertussis, meningococcal disease
Contact & Environmental Transmission
Pathogens that spread through touch, contaminated surfaces, food, water, or environmental sources. These routes often involve hand‑to‑face contact or exposure to contaminated materials.
- Person‑to‑Person Contact: Direct physical contact such as touching, hugging, or caring for an infected person. Examples: norovirus, RSV, many bacterial infections
- Fomite Transmission (Contaminated Surfaces): Pathogens survive on surfaces and transfer when someone touches the surface and then their mouth, nose, or eyes. Examples: norovirus, rhinovirus, some bacterial spores
- Foodborne Transmission: Eating contaminated food due to improper handling, cooking, or storage. Examples: Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Toxoplasma
- Waterborne Transmission: Drinking or contacting contaminated water. Examples: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, cholera, Legionella
- Environmental or Soil Exposure: Some pathogens live naturally in soil or dust and can infect through inhalation or skin contact. Examples: anthrax spores, certain fungal infections
Animal & Vector Transmission
Pathogens that spread through insects, animals, or contaminated animal environments. These routes often involve bites, stings, or contact with infected wildlife or pets.
- Vector‑Borne Transmission: Spread through insects or arthropods that carry pathogens. Examples: West Nile virus (mosquitoes), Lyme disease (ticks), plague (fleas)
- Animal‑to‑Human (Zoonotic) Transmission: Direct contact with infected animals, their waste, or contaminated environments. Examples: avian influenza, hantavirus, rabies
#2 Symptoms of Biologic Exposure
Not all biological agents cause the same symptoms, and many illnesses overlap. While the presence of symptoms does not identify a specific pathogen, it is important to recognize patterns - especially clusters of similar illness in your household or community. This ability can help you respond quickly by isolating sick individuals and seeking medical help.
Localized Symptoms
Symptoms that affect specific parts of the body and often indicate where the infection is taking hold.
- Respiratory Symptoms: Often seen with airborne or droplet‑spread pathogens. Includes cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and nasal congestion
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Typical of foodborne, waterborne, or some person‑to‑person infections. Includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and loss of appetite
- Skin and Soft Tissue Symptoms: Common with bacterial infections, parasites, or environmental exposures. Includes rashes, redness, swelling, blistering, ulceration, itching, or painful skin lesions
- Eye and Mucous Membrane Symptoms: Often from direct contact or aerosol exposure. Includes red or irritated eyes, conjunctivitis, eye pain, or discharge
Whole‑Body (Systemic) Symptoms
Symptoms that indicate the infection is affecting the entire body or becoming more severe.
- Flu‑Like Symptoms: Common with many viral and bacterial infections. Includes fever or chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes
- Neurological Symptoms: Seen in more severe infections or toxin‑producing organisms. Includes severe headache, confusion, stiff neck, seizures, or sensitivity to light
- Systemic Symptoms: Indicate widespread infection or sepsis. Includes high fever, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, extreme fatigue, or collapse
#3 What to do after suspected exposure
If you believe you have been exposed - or may have been exposed - to a biological threat, taking quick, calm, and organized action helps reduce the risk of further illness and prevents spread to others. The steps below focus on immediate protective measures, hygiene, isolation, and when to seek medical guidance. These actions are general best practices and do not replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional, especially if symptoms develop or worsen.
Immediate Protective Actions
Steps to take right away to reduce the chance of further exposure or contamination.
- Limit Further Exposure: Move away from the suspected source immediately and avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth until you can wash your hands thoroughly
- Wash Hands and Skin: Use soap and water to wash hands, face, and any exposed skin to reduce the chance of transferring pathogens to entry points like the eyes or mouth
- Remove and Isolate Contaminated Clothing: Take off outer layers of clothing and place them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spreading contaminants to surfaces or other people
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Wipe down high‑touch surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, and phones using standard household disinfectants to reduce fomite transmission
Protect Others & Prevent Spread
Actions that help prevent transmission to family members, coworkers, or the community.
- Limit Contact With Others: Stay home, avoid close contact, and use a separate room or bathroom if possible to prevent person‑to‑person spread
- Use a Mask if Around Others: Wearing a well‑fitting mask reduces the chance of transmitting respiratory pathogens if symptoms begin to develop
Monitoring & Medical Guidance
Steps that help you track your condition and know when to seek professional help.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for fever, cough, gastrointestinal issues, rashes, or other signs of illness; early recognition helps guide when to seek medical care
- Seek Medical Guidance: Contact a healthcare professional for advice, especially if symptoms develop, worsen, or if you have underlying health conditions that increase risk
- Follow Public Health Instructions: Stay informed through official channels for updates, testing recommendations, or community‑level guidance during outbreaks or suspected biological incidents
#4 What NOT to do after suspected exposure
When dealing with a possible biological exposure, avoiding certain actions is just as important as taking the right ones. Some instinctive responses - like shaking out clothing, ignoring early symptoms, or seeking advice from unreliable sources - can actually increase risk and spread contamination.
Actions That Increase Exposure
These behaviors can spread contaminants into the air or onto your skin, clothing, or home surfaces.
- Do Not Stay in Contaminated Clothing: Keeping contaminated clothing on your body can prolong exposure and spread pathogens to your home or vehicle
- Do Not Shake Out Clothing or Bedding: Shaking fabrics can release particles or droplets back into the air, increasing exposure for you and others
- Do Not Touch Your Face: Avoid rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands thoroughly, as this increases the chance of infection
Actions That Increase Spread to Others
These behaviors make it easier for pathogens to move from one person to another.
- Do Not Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, utensils, bedding, or electronics until you know you are not contagious
- Do Not Have Close Contact With Others: Avoid hugging, handshakes, or crowded spaces; even brief close contact can spread many biological agents
Actions That Delay Care or Lead to Misinformation
These behaviors can prevent timely treatment or cause people to follow unsafe advice.
- Do Not Ignore Symptoms: Even mild fever, cough, stomach issues, or rashes can indicate early infection; delaying action increases risk to yourself and others
- Do Not Self‑Diagnose Serious Symptoms: Severe headache, difficulty breathing, confusion, or persistent vomiting require professional medical evaluation
- Do Not Delay Seeking Help if Symptoms Worsen: Rapid progression of symptoms can indicate a more serious infection that needs prompt medical attention
- Do Not Rely on Social Media Rumors: Misinformation spreads quickly during biological events; always follow official public health guidance
Radiological Exposure Emergency
Also known as a dirty bomb, an RDD is a mix of explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive powder or pellets. When the dynamite or other explosives are set off, the blast carries radioactive material into the surrounding area that you cannot see, smell, feel, or taste.
#1 Dangers
The primary danger from a radiological dispersal device (RDD), or “dirty bomb,” is the explosion itself. The blast can cause serious injuries from shrapnel, flying glass, building collapse, and fire, as well as significant property damage. In most scenarios, these blast‑related injuries will affect more people than the radiation.
Radioactive Dust and Smoke
However, the explosion can also spread radioactive dust and smoke over the surrounding area. These particles can settle on skin, hair, clothing, and surfaces (external contamination) or be inhaled or swallowed (internal contamination). Breathing in radioactive dust is especially concerning because it allows radioactive material to enter the body and remain there.
Health effects from radiation depend on how much radiation a person is exposed to and for how long:
- Mild to Moderate Exposure: This level may not cause any immediate symptoms. It can take hours to weeks before signs of illness appear, and in many cases, people may never develop noticeable radiation‑related symptoms at all.
- More Severe Exposure: This level can cause symptoms within minutes to days, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and skin changes, and may lead to more serious health problems.
Even when immediate health effects are limited, radioactive dust and smoke can increase long‑term cancer risk, especially for people who inhale or ingest contaminated material.
#2 Symptoms of Exposure
Most people in an RDD incident will not receive enough radiation to develop severe symptoms. The explosion, debris, and smoke usually cause more immediate harm than radiation. Stress and fear can mimic early radiation symptoms - timing and progression matter more than any single symptom. This pattern helps indicate the level of exposure.
1. Early Symptoms (Minutes to Hours After Exposure)
These symptoms can appear quickly after higher radiation doses. They are often nonspecific and can resemble shock, stress, or smoke inhalation:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or confusion
If these symptoms appear within the first hour, it suggests a higher exposure. If they appear several hours later, exposure is more likely moderate.
2. Developing Symptoms (Hours to Days After Exposure)
As the body responds to cellular damage, additional symptoms may appear:
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or abdominal cramping
- Skin redness, irritation, or a sunburn‑like appearance
- Increasing fatigue
These symptoms are more common in people who inhaled or ingested radioactive dust or were close to the dispersal site.
3. Delayed Symptoms (Days to Weeks After Exposure)
These occur when radiation begins affecting the body’s ability to produce blood cells and repair tissues:
- Worsening fatigue
- Increased infections (due to lowered white blood cells)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Hair loss in exposed areas
- Skin blistering, peeling, or ulceration
These delayed effects are not typical for most people in an RDD event but can occur in those with higher exposure or internal contamination.
#3 What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Exposed to Radiation
If you believe you may have been exposed to radioactive dust or debris after an RDD (dirty bomb) incident, taking calm, immediate action can greatly reduce your risk. Most radiation from an RDD comes from particles on clothing, skin, or hair - not from penetrating radiation - so removing contamination quickly is one of the most effective protective steps. The actions below focus on limiting further exposure, preventing internal contamination, and protecting others around you.
Immediate Protective Actions
Steps to take right away to reduce additional exposure to radioactive dust, debris, or smoke.
- Move Away From the Area: Leave the immediate blast zone and get indoors as soon as possible to avoid additional exposure to radioactive dust and smoke
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth until you can wash thoroughly to reduce the chance of internal contamination
- Remove Outer Clothing: Take off jackets, sweaters, and other outer layers and place them in a sealed plastic bag to remove most radioactive particles
- Wash Exposed Skin and Hair: Use soap and lukewarm water to wash your hands, face, and hair; this removes radioactive dust before it can be inhaled or ingested — do the same for your pets
- Gently Blow Your Nose: Helps clear inhaled particles from nasal passages without forcing them deeper into the body
- Change Into Clean Clothing: Put on uncontaminated clothes after washing to prevent re‑exposure from dust on fabric
Shelter & Protect Indoors
Actions that help prevent additional exposure once you are safely inside.
- Go Indoors: If you are outside, go indoors. If you are already indoors, stay there. Close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems that pull in outside air
- Shelter-in-Place: Shelter-in-place until officials tell you it is safe to go outside again. Seek shelter in your clean room if you are advised to do so. Remember to take your pets with you.
Monitoring & Medical Guidance
Steps that help you track your condition and know when to seek professional help.
- Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, or skin changes; seek medical guidance if symptoms develop or worsen
- Follow Official Instructions: Listen to emergency alerts for information on safe areas, decontamination sites, and medical evaluation locations
- Seek Medical Guidance: Contact a healthcare professional or go to a designated evaluation center if you have symptoms or were close to the dispersal site
#4 What Not to Do if You Think You’ve Been Exposed to Radiation
Knowing what not to do after a radiological dispersal device (RDD) incident is just as important as taking the right protective steps. Certain actions - like shaking out clothing, touching your face, or relying on unverified information - can increase your exposure to radioactive dust or spread contamination to others.
Actions That Increase Exposure
These behaviors can push radioactive particles deeper into the body or spread them back into the air.
- Do Not Stay in the Blast Area: Remaining near the explosion site increases your exposure to radioactive dust, smoke, and debris
- Do Not Touch Your Face: Rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands can transfer radioactive particles into your body
- Do Not Shake Out Clothing: Shaking contaminated clothing releases radioactive dust back into the air, increasing exposure for you and others
- Do Not Brush or Scrub Skin Harshly: Scrubbing irritates the skin and can make it easier for particles to enter; gentle washing with soap and water is safer
- Do Not Use Conditioner on Hair: Conditioner can bind radioactive particles to hair, making them harder to remove during decontamination
- Do Not Eat, Drink, or Smoke Before Washing: Consuming anything before cleaning up increases the risk of ingesting radioactive dust
Actions That Reduce Indoor Protection
These behaviors weaken your shelter and allow more radioactive dust to enter your home.
- Do Not Leave Windows or Doors Open: Keeping your home open to the outside allows more radioactive dust to enter and settle on surfaces
- Do Not Turn on Your Ventilation System: Doing so will pull in outside air
Actions That Delay Care or Spread Misinformation
These behaviors can prevent timely treatment or lead you to follow unsafe advice.
- Do Not Rely on Social Media Rumors: Incorrect information spreads quickly during emergencies; always follow official emergency alerts and public health guidance
- Do Not Delay Seeking Medical Guidance: If you develop symptoms or were close to the dispersal site, prompt evaluation helps determine your level of exposure
Hazardous Materials Safety Kit
A Hazardous Materials Safety Kit gives your household the tools needed to protect against chemical, biological, and radiological threats. This kit is designed to support safe shelter‑in‑place procedures by providing protective gear, decontamination supplies, and essential equipment that help reduce exposure and contamination. Store the kit in the room you are most likely to use for sheltering, and keep it separate from your family’s grab & go bags, which contain food, water, and other general emergency supplies. Together, these kits ensure you have both the specialized tools and everyday essentials needed to stay safe during a hazardous materials incident.
Kit Essentials
1. Respiratory & Body Protection
- Mira Safety CM 6M Gas Mask w/ Filters: Provides full face protection against chemical vapors, biological aerosols, and radioactive particles
- Extra CBRN or P3 Filters: Ensures continued respiratory protection if a filter becomes saturated or reaches its service limit
- N95 Masks: Useful when a full gas mask is not required but airborne particles or biological droplets are present
- Disposable Gloves: Protects hands from contaminated surfaces, debris, or bodily fluids
- Eye Protection (Sealed Goggles): Shields eyes from chemical splashes, biological droplets, and radioactive dust
- Protective Clothing (Tyvek Suit, Shoe Covers, Head Cover): Prevents contaminants from settling on skin or everyday clothing and reduces cleanup needs
- Potassium Iodide (KI): Protects the thyroid from radioactive iodine when instructed by public health officials
2. Decontamination Supplies
- Soap, Baby Shampoo & Sponge: Gentle options for washing off chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants from skin and hair
- Saline Eye Wash: Rinses out dust, debris, or contaminants from the eyes without irritation
- Extra Water for Rinsing: Dedicated water for washing hands, face, or small areas of skin during decontamination
- Surface Disinfectants (Wipes or Spray): Cleans high touch surfaces and reduces biological contamination
- Paper Towels or Absorbent Cloths: Useful for drying after washing or wiping down surfaces
- Pet Specific Items: Includes pet wipes, leash or carrier, and clean bowls to safely decontaminate and manage pets
3. Containment & Barriers
- Heavy Duty Trash Bags / Biohazard Bags: For safe containment of contaminated clothing, waste, or debris
- Sealable Zip Top Bags: Stores contaminated small items, electronics, or personal belongings to prevent spread
- Plastic Sheeting / Towels / Wax Paper / Foil: Used to seal rooms, cover vents, and create protective barriers during shelter in place
- Plastic Drop Cloth or Shower Curtain: Creates a clean decontamination area or protects floors from contaminated items
4. Tools, Monitoring & Instructions
- RadTriage Radiation Detector or Geiger Counter: Helps measure radiation levels and identify contaminated areas
- Dedicated Flashlight or Headlamp: Ensures visibility if power is out or HVAC systems must be turned off
- Extra Batteries: Powers flashlights, detectors, and other essential devices
- Printed Instructions: Step by step guidance for shelter in place, decontamination, gas mask use, and potassium iodide dosing
- Emergency Contact Sheet: Includes local emergency numbers, poison control, family contacts, and pet instructions
- Notebook and Pen: Tracks symptoms, exposure time, instructions, or emergency information