Terrorist attacks with guns and bombs are horrific enough but when these poor excuses for human beings use biological warfare on innocent people, no words could truly describe how tragic and cowardly these acts are.
Sadly, biological warfare is not just the stuff of movies. Biological weapons have been used a number of times throughout history. In 600 B.C., Assyrians poisoned enemy wells with the fungus rye ergot. In 1710, Russians catapulted decomposing bodies of people who died from the plague toward their Swedish enemies. During the American Civil War, the Confederate Army allegedly used smallpox to fight the other side.
Anthrax, cholera, and glanders were developed during World War I to be used as biological weapons. In 1984, a cult contaminated the salad bars in some Oregon restaurants with Salmonella resulting in 751 people getting sick. Five people died in 2001 after receiving postal letters filled with anthrax. One of the most recent examples of biological warfare was the chemical attack on Syria in 2017. The Khan Shaykhun chemical attack by the Syrian Arab Air Force claimed the lives of at least 89 people and injured a possible 541 more.
What makes biological warfare even deadlier than the “normal” wars is the way it creeps up behind you like some ghost or horrific creature out to get you. Even though gets you when you least expect it, there are ways you can be ready for it. With the right knowledge and proper preparation, you can also act accordingly if a biological attack does happen.
Be Knowledgeable
The first step in surviving biological warfare is not putting on a gas mask. In many cases, it may be too late to put one on. Your best move is to know how toxic biochemicals are introduced to the populace. Familiarize yourself with how biological warfare works.
There are two kinds of biological warfare. One way targets individuals while the other aims to affect a large number of people in particular areas. Biological attacks are often made through air, food, and water. Basically, you target the three most basic needs of humans to live. That’s how evil these people can be?
One way to wage biological warfare is by spreading infections. According to Survival Life, terrorists infect themselves to spread the disease. People leaving infected areas carry the disease with them and infect others wherever they go. Human beings are not the only possible carriers of disease. Animals, including insects and rodents, are perfect hosts for biological weapons.
Biological attacks are also conducted through mails and other everyday things. Back in the day, the British handed blankets used by people with smallpox to the Native Americans to easily eradicate them.
Aside from anthrax, cholera, glanders, fungi, smallpox, and the bubonic plague, other agents of biological warfare include bacteria, Q fever, Ricin, Tularemia, Brucellosis, and Botulinum toxin.
Be Cautious
Now that you are familiar with how biological warfare is done, it won’t hurt to be a little more careful. If you received a package or mail from an anonymous sender, don’t open it yet. If it came from another country you probably should be alarmed even more. See if it is marked “personal,” if there are misspelled words, and if there’s no return address. Check also for oil stains, blotches, or signs of crystallization. Take the necessary precautions before opening the mail. Wear a gas mask, for example, in case there is a powdery substance inside.
Get Vaccinated
There is an ongoing debate between anti-vaxxers and people who rather have their children vaccinated. Most people from the medical field will readily tell you that vaccination is important for many reasons. With regards to biological warfare, it’s better if you get vaccinated.
This is not a sure-fire way to battle biological warfare, however. The vaccines we already have only target medical conditions we know. It’s still possible for terrorists to use existing diseases. If that’s the case, at least you’re prepared. Fortunately, there are vaccines for anthrax, Q fever, smallpox and botulinum toxin, tularemia, and the plague. There are also people working on immunization for staphylococcal toxins and ricin. It’s a different story, however, if the terrorists manage to create a new strain that’s resistant to existing vaccines.
Prepare Your Biological Warfare Survival Kit
Most bug out bags are the same save for a few items you may need for specific emergency situations. If you’re boarding a ship, you may want to include a personal floating device in your BOB. When you’re flying, you should have a parachute in your emergency kit. Okay, that one’s a bit of a stretch but you get the idea.
Another thing… when you prepare your bug out bag, you should also consider the other members of the family. If you have an infant, a young child, an elderly and/or pets, pack what they will need.
Biological Warfare-Specific Survival Gear
In preparing for biological warfare, there are certain items that need to be in your grab bag. A gas mask that’s specifically made for biological warfare is number one on the list. All Head Gear listed down some of the best gas masks for biological attacks. You also need extra filter cartridges for your gas mask.
N95 respirators help keep you from inhaling small airborne particles including flu. A dust mask does nothing to fight off toxic chemicals. If you’re infected, however, it can help prevent you from spreading whatever contagious disease you have. Both N95 respirators and face masks should be disposed of properly after one use.
In case you don’t have any kind of mask, you can make your own. For the instructions on making your DIY gas mask, click here.
Other personal protective equipment (PPE) that will help you survive chemical and biological warfare includes protective wear such as a hazmat suit, gloves, and boots. A pair of goggles is necessary if you only have a face mask or N95 respirator. But again, they offer little protection as compared to a gas mask.
Hygiene and First Aid Kit
Aside from the basic items you’d find in a first aid kit, you’ll also need the right gear to deal with exposure to biological or chemical agents as well as radiation. These are basically the ones discussed above.
Alcohol, hand sanitizer, and soap are probably the most important items in your hygiene kit in the event of biological warfare. Of course, you should also pack the basics such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, feminine supplies, and others.
Other Survival Gear and Supplies
Pack enough non-perishable food and water that will last for at least three days. Remember that each person will need at least one gallon of water each day. Store them in airtight plastic bags before packing them in your backpack.
Make sure to include basic survival gear such as a flashlight, headlamp, battery-operated or hand crank radio, extra batteries, fire starters, water purification tablets, chlorine, mess kit, portable stove, pots, whistle, mirror, multi-tool, pocket knife, paracord, duct tape, plastic sheet, tarp, can opener, tent, sleeping bag, wool blanket, and emergency blanket. Add other gear you deem necessary.
Build Your Prepper Pantry
In the event of a biological warfare, it may take some time before the air becomes completely safe. Make sure you have enough non-perishable food to last for a while. You can also take up canning and other kinds of food preservation so you’ll have a variety of foods to munch on while staying safe in your home or bug out shelter.
Stock up on drinking water as well as water for cleaning stuff and washing yourself. Include a personal water filter system and purification tablets in your gear. Having plenty of supplies in your pantry will keep you from going out and risking exposure so you better start stocking up now.
Stay Updated
The best way to know of a biological attack is through the news and government announcements. Of course, if your area is ground zero of an attack then you’d be the first to know. Otherwise, you should be stay glued to the TV or check the internet for updates, especially if there are initial reports of a biological attack. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding what to do, if there’s a need to evacuate, and if they are offering vaccinations for the specific biological agent or disease being spread by the terrorists.
Wash Hands Thoroughly
Many medical conditions are passed on through contact. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water every chance you get, especially after coming into contact with other people. If you can’t wash your hands at the moment, use alcohol or a hand sanitizer.
Stay Indoors
Once the threat of a biological attack is imminent, do some last-minute maneuvers to keep your home safe. Close all windows and doors. Use duct tape and clear plastic covers to seal off all the gaps. Look for cracks and holes. Ideally, you should have repaired them beforehand. If you haven’t, seal them off with tape as well. After making sure no contaminated air can seep into your home, go to the highest point inside your house and stay there. Don’t forget to bring food, water, your protective wear, and your emergency kit with you.
Decontaminate
If you were exposed to the toxic agents, you need to decontaminate immediately. Use a pair of scissors or sharp knife to cut off all your clothes. This will lessen contact with your skin and face, especially your eyes and mouth.
Take off jewelry, watch, sunglasses, contact lenses and anything you’re wearing at the time of exposure. Place everything, including the scissors or knife, in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. Dispose of the bag properly. Take a bath and make sure you soap your whole body.
Isolate Yourself
A virus spreads fast in a crowded area. This is why you should avoid the city if there is a zombie outbreak or a biological attack. Decide quickly if you’re bugging in or evacuating to a safer place. If you live in the city, you should have an isolated bug out location so you’re away from other people who could be infected. On the other hand, isolate yourself if you’re the one who’s infected.
Biological warfare is a complicated mess and the best you can do is to be prepared in case it happens. The same can be said in other emergency situations such as natural disasters and other tragedies caused by humans. Go to The Gentleman Pirate to know more ways to survive such scenarios.
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