Presented by:
The Fullerton Fire Department
The Fullerton Police Department
The City of Fullerton

INTRODUCTION
Fullerton residents are protected by local and county Police, Fire, public health and emergency medical personnel. While there have been no credible threats of terrorism here in Fullerton or Orange County, the following information will help you prepare in the event of a disaster.

BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL THREATS
Biological and chemical weapons pose a different problem for our community and health care providers because it may take hours or days to determine if an event has occurred.

When the first sign of a threat or event is the occurrence of human illness or injury, it is the public health disease investigators, physicians, microbiologists and paramedics who are the first line of defense.

It is important for you to know that Orange County's public health services and emergency medical systems have years of experience and a close relationship which ensures the highest level of services in the event of a medical threat. Should additional resources be necessary, we know that we can call upon our military partners and other federal resources. For example, if needed, large federal supplies of vaccines and antibiotics can be made available to our community.

In the event of an attack, government officials will instruct residents on what actions they are taking and what actions the public should take. It's important that you remain calm and cooperate fully with local officials.

Right now, many people in our community feel a sense of anxiety about personal preparedness. We support the federal government advice against hoarding antibiotics, purchasing gas masks, or any other such extraordinary measures.

In the event of a chemical or biological incident, instructions on personal protection, decontamination and health warnings will be provided by public health and safety officials through broadcasts over radio and television, as well as in the print media.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE
The public also has a role in reducing the impact of terrorism on their lives.

Learn about the nature of terrorism

• Terrorists look for visible targets where then can avoid detection, such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts and high-profile landmarks.
• Report any suspicious activities to the Fullerton Police Department or the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department.

Adapt, as appropriate, the same techniques used to prepare for earthquakes, fires and other emergencies.

• Be prepared and observe your environment. Terrorists most often strike with little or no warning.
• Use caution when you travel. Observe and report unusual activity. Keep your packages with you at all times. Do not accept packages from strangers.
• Locate stairways and emergency exists and develop plans for evacuating building and crowded public areas.

If you live or work in multi-level buildings:

• Identify the location of fire exits and review emergency evacuation procedures.
• Locate and maintain fire extinguishers in working order and learn how to use them.
• Obtain training in first aid and CPR.

Assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit for your home that includes those items listed in this guide.

• Also, compile essential emergency preparedness for your car and workplace.

DURING
If there's an explosion:

• Remain calm. Take cover under a desk or sturdy table if ceiling tiles, bookshelves, their contents, etc., begin to fall.
• Exit the building as quickly as possible.

If there's a fire:

• Stay low to the floor at all items and exit the building as quickly as possible. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect near the ceiling first.
• Use a wet cloth to cover your nose and mouth.
• Use the back of your hand to feel closed doors. If the door is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. Do not open the door if it is hot. Seek another escape route.
• Use appropriate fire exits, not elevators.

AFTER
If you're trapped in debris:

• If possible, use a flashlight or whistle to signal rescuers regarding your location.
• Stay in your area so that you don't kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief of clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
• Should only as a last resort - shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

PROTECTIVE ACTIONS
Protective actions are actions we take to safeguard our family members and ourselves from harm. The most common emergency protective actions are evacuation and shelter-in-place. Evacuation means to leave the area of actual or potential hazard. Shelter-in-place means to stay indoors. This includes additional precautions such as turning off air-conditioning, ventilation systems, and closing all windows and doors.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

• Remain calm.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Have a Family Preparedness Plan.
• Stay informed.
• If an evacuation is ordered, follow the instructions of local officials regarding evacuation routes and the location of shelters.
• If shelter-in-place is recommended, local officials will provide instructions on necessary actions.
• Do not leave your sheltered location or return to the evacuated area until it is deemed safe to do so by local officials.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT