How to Prepare for a Bioterror Attack
Bioterrorism Preparedness
The fact that using biological agents is a war crime doesn’t soothe us, since people commit war crimes all the time! Being prepared for bioterrorism could save your life if some baddies with a bone to pick get access to a lab.
Bioterrorism Facts
Bioterrorism has a rich history. In 400 BCE, Scythian archers dipped their arrows in decomposing bodies, blood mixed with manure, and snake venom.
Bioterrorism agents can get to you in a few ways: Aerosol dispersion, food/water contamination, human carriers, infected animals, insects, and physical distribution.
Key indicators of bioterrorism are:
- Many people rushing to ER for emergency care, usually with odd and unexplained illness
- A cluster of sick or dead animals
- A geographical pattern to the illness’s spread
How to Prepare for Biological Warfare
- Create a bioterrorism preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Update your immunizations and show up for all of your scheduled boosters.
- Get HEPA filters for your HVAC system and air purifiers. These will help filter dangerous aerosols.
- Make an emergency communication plan to keep in touch and reunite if you get separated.
- Print out the symptoms of category A and B agents. Keep this in your Go Bag for quick reference.
- During an active scenario, do not consume any food, drink, or medication that is not properly packaged and may have been exposed.
- Wash frequently, stay indoors, and quarantine if you think you’ve been affected.
Will I Need Antibiotics?
- Some biological agents might require antibiotics, but don’t keep them around the house. It’s generally not safe or necessary to take antibiotics unless you’ve had them prescribed by a doctor.
- Take the full course of your antibiotics anytime a doctor prescribes them.
Will I Need a Gas Mask?
- Gas masks are tricky. They have to be a really good fit to work correctly, could accidentally suffocate you, and are only truly effective if you already have them on when the agent reaches you.
Don’t Forget Your Mask
A gas mask might be overkill, but N95 masks could keep you safer as you shelter indoors during an aerosol attack.
Don’t Ignore Symptoms
If you can’t pinpoint what made you sick, and your symptoms match those on your list of category A and B agents, go to the ER.
Don’t Forget Your Go Bag
Evacuation isn’t guaranteed, but if your water sources are contaminated, you’ll want to get out quickly with a few days of supplies.