EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION FOR TERRORISM

The Domestic Preparedness Program is a partnership of federal, state and local agencies with the goal of insuring that, as a nation, we are prepared to respond to a terrorist attack involving nuclear, biological or chemical weapons - weapons of mass destruction (WMD).  Today, the term "Homeland Security" is used to denote the concept of preparing for these kinds of events.

What is Terrorism?

Terrorism is the use of force or violence against people or property for the purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom.  Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism, and to get publicity for their causes.

The FBI categorizes terrorism in the United States primarily as one of two types - domestic terrorism or international terrorism.

Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are directed at elements of our government or population without foreign direction

International terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the U. S. or whose activities transcend national boundaries

Terrorism in the United States

Most terrorist incidents have involved small extremist groups who use terrorism to achieve a designated objective.  Local, state and federal law enforcement officials monitor suspected terrorist groups and try to prevent or protect against a suspected attack.  Additionally, the U. S. Government works with other countries to limit the sources of support for terrorism.

A terrorist attack can take several forms, depending on the technical means available to the terrorist, the nature of the political issue motivating the attack, and the points of weakness of the terrorist's target.  Bombings are the most frequently used method in the U. S. Other possibilities include an attack at transportation facilities, utility systems or other public services, or an incident involving chemical or biological agents.

Terrorist events in this country have included the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York, the U. S Capitol, Mobil Oil's corporate headquarters in New York City, and the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City.  More recently, both World Trade Center Buildings and the Pentagon were the targets of a well-planned terrorist attack involving the use of commercial aircraft as flying bombs.

Biological and Chemical Weapons [In Depth]

Biological agents are infectious microbes or toxins used to produce illness or death in people, animals or plants.  Biological agents can be dispersed as aerosols or airborne particles.  Terrorists may use these agents to contaminate food or water because they are extremely difficult to detect.  Chemical agents kill or incapacitate people, destroy livestock or ravage crops.  Some chemical agents are odorless and tasteless and are difficult to detect.  They can have an immediate effect (a few seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed effect (several hours to several days).

Most terrorist incidents in the U. S. have been bombing attacks, involving detonated and undetonated explosive devices, tear gas, pipe bombs, fire bombs, etc.  The effects of terrorism can vary significantly from loss of life and injuries to property damage and disruptions in services such as electricity, water supplies, transportation or communications.  One way governments attempt to reduce our vulnerability to terrorist incidents is by increasing security at airports and other public facilities.

Emergency Information

Terrorists often choose targets that offer little danger to themselves and areas with relatively easy public access.  Foreign terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before and after an attack such as international airports, large cities, major events and high-profile landmarks.  Prepare for terrorist events by adapting many of the same techniques used to prepare for other crises.

Be alert and aware of the surrounding area.  The very nature of terrorism suggests that there maybe little or no warning.

Take precautions when traveling.  Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior.  Do not accept packages from strangers, and do not leave your luggage unattended.

Learn where emergency exits and staircases are located.  Think ahead about how to evacuate a building or other congested public area in a hurry.

Notice your immediate surroundings.  Be aware of heavy or breakable objects that could move, fall or break in an explosion.

The use of explosives by terrorists can result in collapsed buildings.  people who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following:

 

Review emergency evacuation procedures.  Know where the fire exits are located.

 

Keep fire extinguishers in working order and know where they are located and how to use them.

 

Keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building:

 

 

Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries

 

 

Several flashlights and extra batteries

 

 

First aid kits and manuals

 

 

Several hard hats

 

 

Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.

Bomb Threats

If you receive a bomb threat, get as much information from the caller as possible.  Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said.  Notify the police and building management.  All places of business should have specific, written procedures for dealing with bomb threats.

During...

In a building explosion, get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.  Be alert for secondary explosions.

If items are falling off bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy desk or table.

If there is a fire...

Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible

Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth

When approaching a closed door, use the palm of your hand and forearm to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door.  If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly.  If it is hot to the touch, do not open the door--seek an alternate way escape route.

Stay below the smoke at all times.  Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.

After...

If trapped in debris...

Stay in your area so you don't kick up dust.  Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers will know where you are.

Use a whistle if one is available.  Shout only as a last resort - shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Assisting victims...

Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building.  Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Other Emergency Preparedness Information

Use the following links to access emergency preparedness information from other sources.

Chemical/Biological Emergencies

Terroristic Events

Hazardous Materials

Information Regarding DOJ Grants to State/Local Government agencies