• Preparing for a chemical attack is easy and quick and does not require any expert knowledge. While chemical attacks are rare and you should not spend your time worrying about one, preparing for one can protect you in case one would happen in the future and might also make you feel safer.

• To prepare for a chemical attack, first find out what to expect during one and how to detect one.

1. Chemical attacks refers to attacks with poisonous chemicals. To learn how to prepare for a biological attack, which involves the use of bacteria, viruses or toxins, consult Mahalo's guide on How to Prepare for a Biological Attack.
2. Poison used in chemical attacks can have a smell and taste, but some have neither.
3. Chemical agents usually (but not always) result in an immediate effect, including symptoms, whereas it can take days for effects and symptoms of a biological attack to appear.
4. This page outlines the basic steps to take before an attack takes place. Preparing for an attack also involves learning how to act during and after one. To learn about this, visit Mahalo's guide on How to Survive a Chemical Attack.
5. According to FEMA, signs of a chemical attack include you or others having "difficulty breathing; experiencing eye irritation; losing coordination; becoming nauseated; or having a burning sensation in the nose, throat, and lungs."FEMA: [http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/chemical_threats.shtm Are You Ready? Chemical Threats>

• To prepare for an attack, you will need to stock up on several items. Some of these will also be needed to prepare for a natural disaster, such as an earthquake. You should assemble a general disaster supply kit for emergencies. For more information, visit Mahalo's guide on How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster. Some of the items to include are:

1. A battery powered radio
2. Food and water supplies
3. Duct tape, plastic shielding
4. A first aid kit
5. Sanitation products such as soap and bleach

• Besides assembling emergency supplies and knowing how to act during and after an attack, there is not much you

can to to prepare for one. There are a few steps you can take in case the attack happens while you are home.

1. Choose a safe room in your home to be used in case of an attack.
2. Ideally, the room should be on the highest level in the house and have no air conditioning or windows or doors to the outside.
3. It should be easy to seal off.
4. Store the emergency kit in the room.
5. The room should also have other items necessary for you and your family to stay there, if needed, during an attack. These items could include medicines, a phone, mattresses and blankets and other items.