Emergencies
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Terrorism is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations as "the unlawful use of
force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a
government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of
political or social objectives." When terrorism strikes, communities may receive
assistance from State and Federal agencies operating within the existing Integrated
Emergency Management System. FEMA is the lead Federal agency for supporting
State and local response to the consequences of terrorist attacks.
FEMA's role in managing terrorism includes both anti terrorism and counter
terrorism activities. Anti terrorism refers to defensive measures used to reduce the
vulnerability of people and property to terrorist acts, while counter terrorism
includes offensive measures taken to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorism.
Within the emergency management arena, anti terrorism is a hazard mitigation
activity and counter terrorism falls within the scope of preparedness, response and
recovery.
Terrorism is often categorized as "domestic" or "international." This distinction
refers not to where the terrorist act takes place but rather to the origin of the
individuals or groups responsible for it. For example, the 1995 bombing of the
Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was an act of domestic terrorism, but the
attacks of September 2001 were international in nature.
For the purposes of consequence management, the origin of the perpetrator(s) is
of less importance than the impacts of the attack on life and property; thus, the
distinction between domestic and international terrorism is less relevant for the
purposes of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery than understanding
the capabilities of terrorist groups and how to respond to the impacts they can
generate.
BEFORE
Learn about the nature of terrorism.
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.
Learn about the different types of terrorist weapons including explosives,
kidnappings, hijackings, arson, and shootings.
Prepare to deal with a terrorist incident 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 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.
Preparing for a Building Explosion
The use of explosives by terrorists can result in collapsed buildings and fires.
People who live or work in a multi-level building can do the following:
Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where fire 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 and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
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
the building management.
After you've been notified of a bomb threat, do not touch any suspicious packages.
Clear the area around the suspicious package and notify the police immediately. In
evacuating a building, avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially
hazardous areas. Do not restrict sidewalk or streets to be used by emergency
officials.
DURING
In a building explosion, get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.
If items are falling off of bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or
Desk if there is a fire.
Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
Cover 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 escape route.
Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay below the
smoke at all times.
AFTER
If you are trapped in debris.
Use a flashlight.
Stay in your area so that you don't kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear 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.
Chemical Agents
Chemical agents are poisonous gases, liquids or solids that have toxic effects on
people, animals or plants.
Most chemical agents cause serious injuries or death.
Severity of injuries depends on the type and amount of the chemical agent used,
and the duration of exposure.
Were a chemical agent attack 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
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.
More information on Bio terrorism preparedness and response is available online
from the Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control.
This information provided by FEMA from WWW.FEMA.gov website
Last Updated: Friday, 22-Oct-2004 21:19:00 EDT
FEMA 500 C Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20472
Phone: (202) 566-1600
