Preparation and Planning for Chemical Emergencies

NOTE: the following is a list of preparation and planning resources related specifically to chemical emergencies. For other resources, please see the Emergency Preparedness and Response: Preparation and Planning page.

• Facts About Sheltering in Place
  How to find temporary shelter in a chemical emergency
• Facts About Evacuation
  Knowing when & how to evacuate an area in a chemical emergency
• Facts About Personal Cleaning & Disposal of Contaminated Clothing
  What to do if you come in physical contact with dangerous chemicals
• Public Health Emergency Response Guide for State, Local, & Tribal Public Health Directors
  All-hazards reference tool for health professionals who are responsible for initiating the public health response during the first 24 hours (i.e., the acute phase) of an emergency or disaster.
• Guidance on Initial Responses to a Suspicious Letter/Container With a Potential Biological Threat (241 KB/6 pages)
  Guidelines for local responders, based on existing procedures, on the initial response to letters, packages, or containers containing suspicious powders, liquids, or other materials. Developed by HHS/CDC, FBI, & DHS.
• Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks
  May 2002. From the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, CDC
  PDF (841 KB/30 pages)
• Public Health Response to Biological & Chemical Terrorism: Interim Planning Guidance for State Public Health Officials (1.12 MB/106 pages)
• MMWR: Biological & Chemical Terrorism: Strategic Plan for Preparedness & Response
  Recommendations of the CDC Strategic Planning Workgroup.
  MMWR Recommendations & Reports 2000 Apr 21;49(RR-4);1-14.
  PDF (204 KB/26 pages)