Louisiana Poison Control Center..........................................................................................................1-800-256-9822

POISONS AND DRUGS

In order to save valuable time and provide life saving information, contact the Louisiana Poison Control Center located at the University of Louisiana- Monroe for information on poisons and drugs. Their toll-free number is 1-800-256-9822.

CHEMICALS/OTHER COMPOUNDS

The Ascension Parish Chemical Industry’s CAER Committee website has information regarding chemicals used and produced at its member companies’ facilities. This information can be found at www.ascension-caer.org/cguide.htm or by contacting one of the CAER member company representatives listed on page 6 of this guide.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WNV?
WNV affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary.

No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
Mild Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display mild symptoms including fever, headache, and body aches, nausea and vomiting. Some will experience swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach or back. Symptoms typically last a few days.
Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT WNV?

1. The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
2. When you are outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Follow the directions on the package.
3. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Consider staying indoors during these times or use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants. Light-colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you.
4. Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
5. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill drainage holes in tire swings so water drains out.
6. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.

4 TYPES OF TERRORISM

1. Conventional – Such as bombings and hijackings
2. Chemical – Use of a poison (nerve gas, for example) to attack people.
3. Biological – Use of bacteria (such as anthrax), viruses or other organisms to make people seriously ill
4. Radiological – Use of radioactive material (such as nuclear weapons) to harm people.

TERRORISTS TARGETS:

1. Highly populated places, such as large cities, international airports, major international events or popular tourist sites
2. Business and government centers, such as financial districts, embassies or military bases.
    Other targets may include transportation systems, power plants, hospitals and schools.