What is BIOTERRORISM?

A Guide to the

3 P’s: Planning,

Preparation and

Practice

The intentional use of a

biological substance to

cause serious harm or

death.

Bioterrorism is:

Anthrax

• In the air, spreads out quickly

• Skin contact/ingestion: less severe

• Cannot spread from person to person

Smallpox

• Spread from person to person

• Vaccination not recommended for the general public

• Vaccinate health care workers for Smallpox Response Team

Well Known Biological Substances

The 3 P’s: Plan, Prepare and Practice• Make a list of

emergency phone numbers

• Prepare an emergency supply kit

• Check on school emergency plans for your school-age children

• Decide on a room of your home to use as shelter

• Practice the plan

Emergency Supply Kit

How Will We Know?

• May not be immediately obvious

• Local health care workers will report a pattern of unusual illness

• Learn of the danger through an emergency radio or TV broadcast

What to Do During an Emergency or Disaster

• Listen to your radio

• Cover your mouth and nose

• If remaining where you are turn off all ventilation and seek shelter in an internal room

• If in an unprotected area get up-wind of the contaminated area and find shelter

Key Information• Are you in the

group or area authorities consider to be in danger?

• What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

• Are there medications or vaccines being distributed?

What to Do After a Disaster

• Pay close attention to official information

• If you come into contact with a biological substance remove your clothes, wash yourself and call your family doctor

• If you notice any symptoms or signs of disease contact your family doctor

• Do not call 9-1-1

Other Precautions• Stay healthy

• Wash your hands

• Stay away from crowds

• May wear a face mask

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

What Else Can We Do?

• Stay informed

• Stay calm

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Volunteer

What We Should Not Do

• Should not buy gas masks

• Should not stock up on antibiotics

• Should not open a suspicious package or envelope

Being Prepared

County of San DiegoOffice of Emergency Services

Deborah Steffen, Director

County Board of SupervisorsGreg Cox, District 1 Dianne Jacob, District 2Pam Slater, District 3 Ron Roberts,District 4

Bill Horn, District 5

Chief Administrative OfficerChief Administrative OfficerWalter F. Ekard

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Safety GroupDeputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Safety GroupW. Harold Tuck, Jr.

Developed for the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services