[KYHAM] KEN TRAINING for Feb. 17: SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS AND WMD

[Ron Dodson]

While we like to think that we live in a region where such
incidents are unlikely, it must be realized that we do have
a risk for  WMD events anywhere and that they have already
occurred in the past.  Incidents involving bomb scares and
even pipe
bombs, supposedly contaminated mail scares, etc. HAVE
occurred in this region in recent years.   Individuals and
groups
often perform these acts for publicity or to gain an
objective known only to themselves.  Recent events have also
led us to
expect the use of chemical and biological weapons as well as
the use of nuclear " dirty bombs" which can contaminate
areas
with radioactivity and can be of a relatively small size
unlike atomic bombs of yesteryear.  Purchases of plastic
sheeting and
duct tape from department stores of late also reflect the
fact that people are starting to get the message about
planning for
shelter-in-place options in case of chemical weapons
releases.

Tonight, we'll discuss a few points to help you stay safe if
you find you are in an area where a suspected event is
taking place.

Let's say you are shopping or driving along and need to stop
and use a pay phone.  Perhaps you see a device or segment
of  PVC pipe next to the phone.  Do you assume it is a prank
and use the phone anyway???

What if you are at a building where several people suddenly
become ill or collapse, what should you do?

In our first example, the telephone, there is obviously
something wrong.  Don't bet on it being a 'dud'.  Back off,
keep others
away and summon the authorities.  (Be mindful that radio
waves may DETONATE the device!)

Our second example brings to mind an incident that I
personally witnessed many years ago.  The workers in a store
were all
suddenly stricken with a violent headache and blurred
vision.  I responded with several others to the scene and in
spite of the comments made by myself and others that the
initial entry team wear breathing apparatus, the crew walked
in with no
protection and sure enough, in 5 minutes time, THEY were now
victims.  Turned out that a chemical was leaking in the
store which created the problem.  It was later found by the
second crew in, WEARING SCBA's.

MORAL: Without proper protection, DO NOT ENTER a situation
without knowing what you are walking into.

Watch for indicators at any possible haz-mat and/or WMD
locations.

* Look for physical indications and outward warning signs.
* Unusual smoke, odors, vapor clouds.
* Dead animals or vegetation.
* Mass Casualties may or may not show outward signs of
trauma.
* Victims with breathing difficulties.  May or may not have
blistered, or reddening skin and eye irritations etc.

For the untrained!: Do not approach, touch or examine
devices, debris or victims.  Stay upwind at a reasonable
distance and
summon aid.  *** If you suspect that you may be
contaminated, DO NOT LEAVE THE AREA and go home.  If you
are, this would only endanger others and your families. ***
Alert responders that you may be contaminated and follow
through with any requested procedures until cleared to go.

Be mindful that many incidents are 'staged' to draw in
responders for a later release of a secondary device or
'booby trap'.
The true targets may well be the responders and the initial
victims may be considered only as 'collateral damage' by the

perpetrator(s).  Secondary devices may be as bad or WORSE
than the initial incident!   People who do these types of
things
do not think like the average person on the street.  The
whole objective may be to 'take out' as many people as
possible and
by drawing in several responders and the inevitable gawkers
close to a location, they may indeed have worse surprises.
Stay
out and let those with more training do the work.

Lastly, if you receive an EAS warning to "shelter-in-place"
for a chemical release, would you know what to do and do you

have the right materials handy to do it with?  If advised to
"shelter-in-place", immediately turn off all sources of
outside
ventilation and close all windows and doors. Keep your
portable radio with you. Move to a 'safe room' in your home
or work place. (When planning ahead for a safe room, try to
locate one with at least ten feet of floor space per person
to allow for adequate air space and preferably without
windows.)  Seal around the doors, vents and any windows with
plastic sheeting  (this can be pre-measured and cut to fit
and marked well beforehand) and duct tape.  Stay there until
the all clear is given.  In all likelihood, the chemical
cloud will soon pass over and dissipate. Chemical agents do
not linger long in the open air.  A few hours (2-5) will
likely be adequate for the winds to blow them away. After
the all clear is given, open windows and doors and allow
fresh air to remove any residual chemical vapors.  If you
are outdoors when an alert is given and you have no
available shelter, try to stay upwind and move away from the
affected area.  Listen for and follow any other EAS
instructions you receive over your portable receiver.

One more thing...Consider any possible WMD site as a crime
scene!  Anyone who has ever watched a TV detective show or
two has at least a minimal idea of the need for scene
integrity and evidence preservation.  If an event has
occurred and you are not in the area, DO NOT RUSH TO THE
SCENE!  As amateur radio operators involved in ARES and
RACES efforts we may be asked to help with communications
during the course of the event, however, NEVER take it upon
yourself to go to a possible WMD scene just to see what you
can find out.  This is not only foolish, it can be deadly!
If you are requested to activate by EM or another served
agency, do as they ask to the extent of your training.  Do
not put yourself into locations in which you are not asked,
equipped and CLEARED to enter.

Be careful. Be aware and STAY ALIVE.