Every year more and more often we hear about serious accidents and disasters at enterprises. This poses a great threat not only to the environment, but also to human he alth. This is especially true for those who have to leave the zone of chemical contamination. You should study in detail the possible dangers and know the rules of behavior in emergency situations.
What everyone needs to know
A zone of chemical contamination is an area within which toxic chemicals are distributed that pose a danger to the life of people, wild or farm animals and plants.
They are usually divided into several types:
- discomfort zone (the first signs of intoxication may appear in it, chronic diseases become aggravated);
- moderate infestation (when contentpoisonous gases reaches a certain level, which means that approximately fifty percent of the population will be affected by chemicals);
- deadly doses (concentration of agents is so high that death is possible).
Actions of the population in conditions of chemical contamination
Responsibility for alerting local residents in the event of an emergency lies with the Civil Defense Ministry. The population must immediately and unquestioningly comply with all stipulated instructions. The main way to alert residents of danger is radio or television broadcasting. Such an emergency message traditionally begins with the phrase: "ATTENTION ALL!". When leaving the zone of chemical contamination, you should keep the radio on.
Often this short information is accompanied by the sound of alarm sirens and other loud signaling devices. In such situations, it is important to act immediately. Having heard the above signals, you must first put on respiratory protection, close all the vents, windows, turn off the gas, electrical appliances and other household appliances. Protective equipment includes a gas mask. If it is absent, it is necessary to use gauze bandages or other improvised fabric products soaked in water.
You should leave the dangerous zone of chemical contamination with a three-day supply of food and water. It is necessary to have important documents and a first aid kit with you (it must includemedicines the person takes regularly for chronic illnesses, if any).
Further instructions
It is necessary to warn the neighbors as soon as possible and leave the living quarters without panic, moving towards the nearby hill. As already mentioned, you should leave the zone of chemical contamination as quickly as possible, moving in the opposite direction from the wind. Upon reaching the hill, you must remain there until further instructions. What to do if there is no way to leave the premises located in the zone of infection? In this case, you need to hide in it, while securing it as much as possible. Vents, doors, windows and large gaps must be hermetically sealed.
When transmitting a radio distress signal, pay special attention to which gas or chemical poses a threat. If it is ammonia (a substance that is lighter than air), then it will fill the upper floors of buildings, but if there is a release of chlorine or hydrogen sulfide (heavier than air), then it should be expected that it will creep along the ground and penetrate into the basements. Depending on these factors, action must be taken.
Infection prevention measures
During the evacuation, you should leave the zone of chemical contamination quickly, but you can not run, so as not to raise toxic dust. It is contraindicated to lean against the walls, touch other contaminated objects. Under no circumstances should you take off your protective equipment. Caught inin a place safe from pollution, you must first completely change clothes, take a shower and rinse your mouth very thoroughly. It is important to remember that you must exit the area of chemical contamination correctly, in accordance with safety instructions.
