Emergency Response - Biological/Chemical/Radiation

If you believe that a biological, chemical, or radiation threat may occur or has occurred, contact the Ohio University Police Department at 593-1911 or dial 911.

A biological attack is a deliberate release of germs or other biological substances that can make you sick. Many agents must be inhaled, enter the skin through a cut, or be ingested to infect a person. Some biological agents, like anthrax, are not contagious, while others, such as the smallpox virus, can result in communicable diseases. Unlike an explosion, a biological attack may not be immediately obvious. Most likely, a biological threat would be observed by local health care workers from unusual patterns or surges of persons with similar illnesses. Information may not be immediately available. Public health officials will need time to assess the situation properly. If you are potentially exposed, follow the instructions from physicians and public health officials.

A chemical attack is a deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid, or solid that can poison people and the environment. Potential signs of a chemical threat can include many people suffering from watery eyes, twitching, choking, experiencing loss of coordination, or having difficulty breathing. Observations that heighten suspicion may include many sick or dead birds, fish, or small animals. If you witness signs of a chemical attack, try to find clean air quickly by avoiding the source of contamination. If the circumstances and your symptoms suggest that you may have been exposed to a chemical agent, remove your contaminated clothes immediately. Find a source of water and wash with soap, if available. Seek medical attention right away.

A radiation attack (also called a dirty bomb) uses an explosion device coupled with a large quantity of radioactive material. The explosion disperses radioactive material into the immediate area. The explosion represents the most serious potential for casualties. Emergency and radiation safety personnel will use special instruments to determine the presence and levels of radioactive contamination on persons and the affected area. Remove yourself from the blast site to reduce your radiation exposure. If circumstances suggest that you may be contaminated with radioactive materials, remove your contaminated clothes immediately and place them in a plastic bag. Wash with soap and water and put on clean clothes.

A nuclear blast is an enormous explosion resulting from a fission or fusion nuclear device. The explosion results in a blinding flash of light, a huge fireball, and a massive blast (or pressure) wave. If forewarned of an impending nuclear detonation, proceed to the nearest emergency shelter for protection against the blast and fireball. Turn off the ventilation system. Stay away from windows, glass, and unsecured objects. If above ground limit your radiation dose by shielding yourself with dense or thick materials, maximizing your distance from the blast site, minimizing the time you are exposed to the radioactive materials. More importantly, avoid or control personal contamination by washing off radioactivity, changing to clean clothes, obtaining food and drink from closed, uncontaminated systems.