BIOLOGICAL THREATS/PANDEMIC ILLNESS

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock, and crops. The three basic groups of biological agents that would likely be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Most biological agents are difficult to grow and maintain. Many break down quickly when exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, while others, such as anthrax spores, are very long lived. Biological agents can be dispersed by spraying them into the air, by infecting animals that carry the disease to humans, and by contaminating food and water.

Before a biological attack or pandemic illness outbreak:
* Make sure all immunizations are up to date.
* Teach all family members to cough or sneeze into the crook of their elbow instead of into their
hands.
* Consider getting a HEPA filter installed on your home central heating and cooling system.
* Have enough food, medications and other supplies to last three months. Have at least a two
week supply of water on hand.

During a biological attack or pandemic illness outbreak:
* If you have a central heating and cooling system in your home with a HEPA filter, leave it on
or turn the fan on (if it is not running). Moving the air in the house through the filter will help
remove the agents from the air. If you have a portable HEPA filter, take it with you to an
internal room, gather your family into that room and turn the HEPA filter on.
* If you do not have a HEPA filter on your system, turn the system off to reduce circulation of
air.
* When sheltering in place due to a biological threat, be sure all family members stay out of
contact with other people if the harmful agent is people borne (for example, small pox).