Man-Made Hazards

Hazardous Materials (chemicals), Power Outages and Terrorism

These are man-made threats that can range from inconvenient to life threatening.  Chemicals, can be hazardous if released improperly, usually as a result of transportation accidents or chemical accidents in plants.  Power outages, can occur for any number of reasons - weather, accidents, etc.  Terrorism, an intentional violent action intended to attain political or ideological goals can range in type and size and could happen anytime and in any place.  Below are some actions that you can take to help prepare for these situations and help you get through them or maybe keep them from happening.

If you see something,
SAY SOMETHING!

Suspicious activity may include:

  1. Unusal Items or...
  2. ...Asking Too Many Questions
  3. ...Being Too Interested...

Unusual Items or Situations

  • A vehicle is parked in an odd location.
  • A package/luggage is unattended.
  • A window/door is open that is usually closed, etc.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY, CALL 9-1-1! To report suspicious activity, contact your local law enforcement. Try to answer the following questions:

  • Who did you see?
  • What did you see?
  • When did you see it?
  • Where did it occur?
  • Why is it suspicious

You can prepare for hazardous chemical spills, power outages, and acts of terrorism

There are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected. Be aware of your surroundings.  Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. Preparing for such events will reduce the stress that you may feel now, and later, should an emergency arise.

  1. Chemical Spill
  2. Power Outage
  3. Active Shooter
  4. Explosion

BEFORE:

DURING:

  • Turn off air conditioning/heating system.
  • Seal your home. Close windows, doors, and vents.  Seal any gaps.
  • Bring pets indoors.
  • If outside, stay upstream, uphill and upwind at least one-half mile away.
  • Protect your face and any exposed skin.
  • Cover your nose and mouth.

AFTER:

  • Open windows and vents.
  • Turn on fans for ventilation.
  • If exposed to hazardous chemicals:
    • Follow decontamination instructions from local authorities.
    • Do not make contact with other people or materials.
    • Place clothing and shoes in tightly sealed containers.  
    • Call local authorities about proper disposal of clothing.
    • Seek medical treatment for unusual symptoms.  
    • Advise medical staff that you have been exposed to a toxic substance.
  • Report any lingering vapors or other hazards to local emergency services office.
  • From local authorities, find out how to clean up your land and property
  1. Cyber Attack
  2. Biological Attack
  3. Chemical Attack
  4. Nuclear/Radiological Attack

BEFORE:

  • Take steps to protect your devices and personal information.
  • Trust your gut; if you think an offer is too good to be true, then it probably is.
  • Make sure system software updates are current.
  • Only connect to the Internet over secure networks
  • Use strong passwords. Change them monthly
  • Visit www.dhs.gov/topic/cybersecurity for more information.

DURING:

  • Immediately change passwords for all of your online accounts.
  • Scan and clean your device.
  • Consider disconnecting your device from the internet.

AFTER:

  • Verify that your Personally Identifiable Information isn’t compromised.
  • Monitor your accounts and contact companies, such as banks to report online crimes.