Introduction

The Citizens' Emergency Response Guide is a comprehensive reference guide to planning and responding to mass casualty disasters. It is intended for use by individuals, families, businesses, and volunteer first responders.

This guide is intended to help you make informed decisions when a terrorist attack occurs. It is very important to understand the type of weapons that may be used in order to know how to protect yourself and your family. Familiarize yourself with the information in this guide before an emergency occurs.

There are numerous variables in every emergency situation including: your location; environmental factors — such as weather condition (wind direction, temperate, sun, rain, dew point), all of which will affect your actions in the event of a chemical, biological or nuclear attack; the type and size of the weapon deployed. Base your decisions on all available information.

You must have a battery powered radio or television in order to monitor news broadcasts and civil defense information. But keep in mind that there may be conflicting reports during and immediately following a mass causality event.

If you plan to refer to this guide after an attack — do not rely on having electricity. Purchase a power converter if you are using a laptop. This will allow you to keep your both your laptop and cell phone charged from your cars 12 volt plug-in. Otherwise, print this information and keep it in a binder for immediate reference. We recommend doing both.

The Emergency First Aid section in this guide is intended to help you keep someone alive until trained first responders arrive, or that person can be transported to a medical facility. Not providing immediate first aid, during the critical first hour, may result in the death of the casualty. You are protected from liability by the "Good Samaritan" laws.

If you are in the immediate area of a terrorist attack — rely on the police, fire, and other officials for instructions.

If you are not in the immediate area — STAY OUT! If you want to help become a Red Cross volunteer by taking their "Disaster Services" ARC 3066 class, donate blood, or listen for requests broadcast by the media. You should also consider taking a CPR class either from the Red Cross or your local fire department.