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Terrorist
Incidents
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 attach 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.
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Preparing for a Building
Explosion
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| 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
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| Chemical Agents |
Chemical agents are
poisonous gasses, 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 |
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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 the fear of contaminating the hospital population.
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| Preparation at Home |
- 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 positive identification with them
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| Home Supplies |
- 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
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
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| Finally, DO NOT
SIGHT SEE. 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 effected areas. |
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