Terrorism

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Although a terrorist incident can occur at any time and any place without warning, terrorists look for visible targets where they can avoid detection before or after an attack, such as international airports, large cities, major international events, resorts, and high-profile landmarks.

• Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The very nature of terrorism suggests that there may be little or no warning.
• Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage unattended.
• Learn where emergency exits are located. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway, or congested public area in a hurry. Learn where staircases are located.
• 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 and fires. People who work in a multilevel building can do the following.

• Review emergency evacuation procedures
• Know where the exits are located
• Keep fire extinguishers in working order, know where they are located, and how to use them
• Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross for additional information
• Keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of the building:
  • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Several flashlights with extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Several hard hats

Chemical agents are poisonous gases, liquids, or solids that have toxic effects on people, animals, or plants. Most chemical agents cause serious injury or death.

Severity of injuries depends on the type and amount of the chemical agent used and the duration of the exposure.

If a chemical agent attack were to occur, authorities would instruct citizens to either seek shelter where they are and seal the premises or evacuate immediately. Exposure to chemical agents can be fatal. Leaving the shelter to rescue or assist victims can be a deadly decision. There is no assistance that the untrained can offer that would likely be of any value to the victims of chemical agents. 

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that have illness-producing effects on people, livestock, and crops.

Because biological agents cannot necessarily be detected and may take time to grow and cause a disease, it is almost impossible to know that a biological attack has occurred. If government officials become aware of a biological attack through an informant or warning by terrorists, they would most likely instruct citizens to either seek shelter where they are and seal the premises or evacuate immediately.

A person affected by a biological agent requires the immediate attention of professional medical personnel. Some agents are contagious, and victims may need to be quarantined. Also, some medical facilities may not receive victims for fear of contaminating the hospital population. 

• Have a family evacuation plan in place
• Every family member should have a telephone number of an out-of-state contact that all family members can call if they become separated
• Every member should have a positive identification with them

• Ten-day supply of drinking water
• Ten-day supply of nonperishable foods
• Three-week supply of prescription medication
• Cash (ATM's and banks could be closed in an emergency)
• A whistle to signal for help
• First aid kit with a first aid manual
• Fire extinguisher
• Battery-operated radio with extra sets of batteries
• Flashlights, one for each member of the family, with extra batteries for all
• Important documents - insurance policies and the like should always be stored together if you need to evacuate quickly
• Residents should call their local Red Cross and take advantage of their first aid courses
• Keep a list of local emergency numbers
• Know the location of your local hospital

Finally, DO NOT SIGHTSEE. Stay out of restricted areas. Your presence could interfere with emergency operations. Only trained essential personnel (police, auxiliary police, firefighters, Red Cross, military, and utilities personnel) should be in the affected areas.