Lake County
Health Department

A chemical agent is a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can harm people or the environment. Chemical Terrorism involves the use of any of these chemical agents with the intent to cause harm.

Nerve 
Nerve agents are chemicals that interfere with the nervous system.
Sarin   http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/sarin/index.asp
Soman   http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/soman/index.asp
Tabun  http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/tabun/index.asp
VX   http://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/vx/index.asp

Radiological and nuclear threats include nuclear weapons and dirty bombs. Both spread radioactive materials, but a nuclear explosion would have a far reaching impact while a dirty bomb would affect a more targeted area. Intentional release of radioactive material is a form of terrorism.

Radiation Emergencies  http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/

Strategic National Stockpile

The mission of Centers for Disease Control’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) Program is to ensure the availability and rapid deployment of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes, other medical supplies, and equipment necessary to counter the effects of nerve agents, biological pathogens and chemical agents. The SNS Program stands ready for immediate deployment to any US location in the event of a terrorist attack using a biological toxin or chemical agent directed against a civilian population.

Emergency Mass Prophylaxis Plan

The Emergency Mass Prophylaxis Plan is the countywide plan for large-scale antibiotic or vaccine dispensing in the event of an infectious disease emergency. The Lake County Health Department is responsible for creating and maintaining this plan. Emergencies of this magnitude would include bioterrorism attacks through agents such as anthrax or smallpox as well as naturally occurring disease epidemics like pandemic influenza or meningococcal disease.

Point of Dispensing Sites

During a public health emergency, Points of Dispensing (PODS) are locations where large populations can receive medications or shots very quickly. PODs will be open to the public and all antibiotics and vaccines that are offered in response to the emergency will be free. PODs will be located throughout Lake County to provide accessibility for every community. In an emergency, media outlets and government agencies will release POD locations and hours of operation.

Disaster Preparedness for Families

It is important that we make sure that our families know what to do before, during and after a terrorist event. A Family Disaster Plan and disaster Supply Kit will help account for the safety of all family members in a disaster. Your family should review the plan frequently. Treat this plan as you would a fire drill.

Your Family disaster Plan should include emergency contact telephone numbers, a disaster supply kit, a family meeting site and more. Learn more from the following:

http://www.floridadisaster.org/

Why Your Family Should Identify Rally Points

Because your family is not together 24 hours a day, it is important for you to consider how you would find each other in a disaster. When choosing a family meeting location, you should consider selecting the most commonly frequented location (i.e., work, school, or neighbors). For example, parents should include a designated location in the plan to meet children if a crisis occurs while they are at school.

Items to Consider When Developing Your Plan

Discuss the various types of hazards that could affect your family:

• Determine an escape route from your home and places to meet including a child's school, a neighbor's house, family meeting location, or a familiar public place.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Have at least two ways of contacting this person like email or phone.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones, in your wallet, or purse, and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
• Stock nonperishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit.
• Take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes.

Preparing a Family Disaster Supply Kit

It is important for you to prepare a well-stocked disaster supply kit. Suggested supply items include:

• Water-at least one gallon daily per person for three to seven days
• Food-at least enough for three to seven days
• Blankets, pillows, and associated items
• Warm clothing
• First Aid kit and medicines
• Special Items-for babies and the elderly
• Toiletries
• Radio-battery-operated and NOAA weather radio
• Keys
• Toys, books, and games
• Important documents
• Tools
• Vehicle fuel tanks pre-filled
• Pet care items
• Flashlight and batteries

Family Emergency Phone Numbers

• 911
• Neighbor
• Out of town family contact
• School