What should citizens do to limit exposure to Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) or TICs during a release?

The recommended action to limit exposure to Chemical Warfare Agents (CWA) or Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) during a release is to close windows and doors, and turn off air conditioning. This is because these actions help to create a barrier between the outside contaminated air and the indoor environment. By sealing off the space, individuals can reduce the likelihood of inhaling or coming into contact with harmful agents that may be dispersed in the atmosphere during a release.

Closing windows and doors helps to prevent outside air, which may contain pollutants or toxic agents, from entering a building. Turning off air conditioning is also crucial because many air conditioning systems can draw in outside air. If contaminants are present, the air conditioning system could circulate these pollutants throughout the building, putting occupants at higher risk of exposure.

In contrast, seeking shelter in a shopping center may not provide adequate protection, particularly if the building is not specifically designed to filter out chemical agents. Approaching the site of a release puts individuals directly in harm's way, increasing the risk of exposure. Ignoring public broadcasts can prevent citizens from receiving vital information regarding safety measures and any further instructions from emergency response teams, which could be critical in ensuring their safety.