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1. What is biological, chemical and radiological terrorism?

The intentional use of biological, chemical and/or radiological agents to cause disease or death in humans, animals or plants.

2. How great is the threat?

• Biological, chemical and radiological terrorism is possible, yet considered unlikely.
• These agents are difficult to make and disperse effectively on a widespread scale.
• Some of the agents that might be used weapons are smallpox, anthrax, plague, botulism, nerve or skin blistering agents.
• Community planning and preparedness is ongoing and can greatly reduce the threat of biological, chemical and radiological terrorism.

3. What can you do to protect yourself?

• Be informed and stay calm!
• Be aware/stay alert - Information about specific biological and chemical weapons is available from the New York State Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Listen to local media for advice on what to do in the event of any incident or emergency.
• If you develop unusual or sudden illness, call your physician or hospital emergency room immediately.
• Practice good infection control.
• Wash hands frequently and completely.
  • For 10 to 15 seconds
  • Rub longer if hands are dirty
  • Soap well every part of the hands (don't forget between the fingers)
  • Rinse in a flowing stream of water
  • When there is no water, use detergent-containing towelettes and alcohol-based hand-rubs
  • Dry hands with paper towels or hand dryers (operate lever-operated dispensers before washing and activate hand blowers with elbows to avoid re-infecting your hands)

4. Can I be vaccinated?

• The public can not get the anthrax or smallpox vaccine at present.
• Preventive antibiotics are not necessary.
• If needed, vaccines and antibiotics will be made available.

5. How prepared is Steuben County?

• A countywide emergency plan is in place to coordinate police, fire, public health, medical and emergency responses.
• Health care workers are receiving training to increase awareness and reporting of unusual illness.
• Hospitals report any unusual patterns of illness to Steuben County Public Health every 24 hours.