Before an Explosion
The following are things you can do to protect yourself in the event of an explosion.
- Build an Emergency Supply Kit.
- Learn what to do in case of bomb threats or received suspicious packages and letters.
- Ensure your friends and co-workers have up-to-date information about any medical needs you may have and how to contact designated emergency contacts.
During an Explosion
- Get under a sturdy table or desk if things are falling around you. When items stop falling, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways.
- Do not use elevators.
- Stay low if there is smoke. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.
- Check for fire and other hazards.
- Once you are out, do not stand in front of windows, glass doors, or other potentially hazardous areas.
- If you are trapped in debris, use a flashlight, whistle or tap on pipes to signal your location to rescuers.
- Shout only as a last resort to avoid inhaling dangerous dust.
- Cover your nose and mouth with anything you have on hand.
After an Explosion
- There may be significant numbers of casualties or damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state, and federal levels.
- Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to their limits, maybe even overwhelmed.
- Extensive media coverage, strong public fear, and international implications and consequences.