In the UAEIn the UAE, follow National Early Warning System phone alerts and call Civil Defence on 997 or an ambulance on 998.^[6]

Before

Choose a large safe room, ideally upstairs with a water source, that you can seal.^[1]
Make a sealing kit: duct tape, scissors, towels and plastic sheets cut to fit windows.^[1]
Practise sealing air conditioner units, exhaust fans and vents.^[1]
Pack go kits for home and car, with rubbish bags and disposable gloves.^[1]
Agree how family members will contact each other if separated.^[1]
Never mix household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia.^[2]
Store household chemicals closed, in original containers and out of children's reach.^[2]

During

Follow official instructions on whether to shelter in place or evacuate.^[3]
If told to shelter, go in with pets, close windows and doors, and switch off fans and AC.^[1]
Take medicines, phone and charger to your safe room and tape plastic over windows, vents and door gaps.^[1]
Use towels or clothing to block gaps if you have no plastic sheeting.^[1]
If exposed outdoors, move away from the area and upwind if you can.^[3]
Do not rely on a car for protection, as vehicles are not airtight.^[1]
If evacuating, take your kit and use the route officials give, with no shortcuts.^[2]
Do not smoke, eat or drink if you may be contaminated.^[4]

If exposed, remove clothing as soon as you can, cutting off anything that goes over your head.^[5]
Seal used clothing in a bag inside a second bag and keep it out of normal rubbish.^[5]
Wash skin and hair with lukewarm water and mild soap without scrubbing.^[5]
Flush eyes with water for 10 to 15 minutes if they burn or vision blurs.^[5]
Get medical help if you have symptoms or could not remove the chemical.^[3]
Stay sheltered until officials give the all clear, then follow their instructions.^[1]

Short how-to videos for this topic are being added to our channel.

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.