[ISN] The Public Response To Terrorism

From: InfoSec News (isnat_private)
Date: Mon Nov 12 2001 - 01:44:39 PST

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    The Public Response To Terrorism
    
    By C. L. Staten, Sr. National Security Analyst, Emergency Response &
    Research Institute
    
    ERRI Note to the Reader:
    
    Recent terrorist events in New York City and Washington, DC have
    prompted a intense interest in personal and family preparedness,
    particularly in regard to any possible threat of a terrorist attack
    involving chemical/biological/nuclear weapons. It is respectfully
    suggested that one of the best things for American citizens to do at
    this time is to "REMAIN CALM," and try to return, as much as possible,
    to your regular daily routine.
    
    In our considered opinion as both a long-time terrorism analysts and
    emergency service providers, to do otherwise and to give into any sort
    of "fear" is exactly what terrorists want to accomplish. That is one
    of the main objectives of these mass murderers...to attempt to cause
    fear in the U.S. civilian population and to foster a sense of mistrust
    in our government and its ability to protect us. We, at ERRI, do not
    intend to give in to this intended manipulation of our emotions or to
    give the terrorists any satisfaction in their obvious attempt at the
    intimidation of the United States.
    
    Please know that hundreds of thousands of Fire, EMS, Police, Disaster,
    Health, and other elected and appointed government officials are all
    working twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to constantly
    monitor and reassess the need for additional self-preparedness
    measures that you can/should take. You can rest assured that they will
    inform you immediately via public service announcements and the
    Emergency Broadcast System about other recommendations that they may
    have in regard to your continued health and safety. Further, please
    know that ERRI and EmergencyNet News will do its best to quickly
    provide you with any pertinent government advisories that may offer
    additional guidance for you and your family.
    
    Given the unpredictable nature of terrorism, and its potential for
    extreme violence, the measures provided below can not be expected to
    be a complete list of those measures which may be necesary to prevent
    injury, death, or property damage. This advice is offered pre-gratis
    and "as is" and certainly should not be considered the "end-all" and
    "be-all" of information on this topic. ERRI/EmergencyNet News cannot
    accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions contained
    herein.
    
    In recent days, ERRI and EmergencyNet News has received literally
    hundreds of e-mails and phone calls asking for advice on terrorism
    preparedness issues. Although this certainly is not the definitive
    explanation of these issues, it is hoped that this document can at
    least be a starting point for those interested in learning more about
    what they can do to be more prepared for future events.
    
    Finally, instead of engaging in hyperbole about gas masks or trying to
    offer specific tactical or medical advice, as some have done in regard
    to current terrorism situation, we believe that a reasonable and
    rational approach should include greater knowledge of some basic and
    fairly simple measures that can be undertaken by individuals and
    familes to help better prepare themselves for terrorism or any other
    kind of disaster. We call these measures an "All Hazards" approach to
    the public response to terrorism...
       
    
    "All Hazards" Family Emergency Plan
    
    Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It could be a house
    or wild fire, it might be a weather-related emergency such as a flood,
    tornado, or hurricane, or winter storm. It could even be a terrorist
    attack. This disaster could force you to evacuate your neighborhood or
    confine you inside your home...depending on circumstances of the
    disaster. Think...What would you do if basic services -- water, gas,
    electricity or telephones -- were cut off?  Local officials will be on
    the scene of your emergency as soon as possible, but they cannot reach
    everyone right away.
    
    Families can -- and do -- cope with many kinds of disaster by
    preparing in advance and working as a team. Follow some of the ideas
    below to create your family's disaster plan.  Knowing what to do, and
    practicing it before an emergency strikes, is probably your best
    protection and among your greatest responsibilities. 
    
    
    Create a Plan 
    
    * Meet with household members to discuss the dangers of fire, severe
      cold or hot weather, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, terrorism
      and other dire emergencies. Discuss how to respond to each. 
    
    * Take a basic first aid and CPR class. These skills may be essential
      to help you to assist your own family, a neighbor, or others
    
    * Find the safe spots in your house for each type of emergency. 
    
    * Discuss what to do about power outages and personal injuries. 
    
    * Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each
      room. 
    
    * Show family members how to turn off electricity, water and gas at
      main switches when necessary. 
    
    * Post emergency telephone numbers near telephones. 
    
    * Teach children how and when to call 911 or other appropriate phone
      numbers for police, fire, and EMS agencies. 
    
    * Instruct household members to turn on a radio, dialed to a local
      radio station for emergency information. (Note: Know where to find 
      a flashlight, battery operated radio and extra batteries.)
    
    * Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family
      members to call if separated during a disaster. (It is often times
      easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area.) 
    
    * Teach children your out-of-state contact's phone number. 
    
    * Pick two emergency meeting places: 
    
    a. A place near your home, in case of fire. 
    
    b. A place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home. 
    
    * Once it can be ascertained that your family is safe and your
      circumstances are under control, please consider checking on 
      elderly or disabled relatives, friends, and neighbors who may 
      need assistance
    
    * Keep essential family records in a water and fire-proof
      container..or even in a safe deposit box at your local bank. 
    
    
    Make a Emergency Supplies Kit 
    
    In some types of emergencies, you might need to evacuate. Some
    families like to prepare ahead by assembling things they would need to
    take with them such as: 
    
    1. Clothing, personal hygiene items 
    
    2. Medical supplies such as eyeglasses, dentures, necessary
       prescription drugs and a first aid kit - with sufficiant materials
       to treat several people 
    
    3. Canned foods and bottled water (remember to check and rotate
       perishables)
    
    4. Portable, battery powered radio and flashlight. 
    
    5. Checkbook, credit cards and cash. 
    
    6. Sleeping bags/extra blankets. 
    
    7. Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
    
    8. Technology Supplies:
    
    a. Remember to bring Cell phones, PDA's, laptop computers, GPS, or
    other communications and location devices...along with extra batteries
    for them. Given the magnitude of the disaster, these devices may or
    may not work. But, given the fact that often the internet continues to
    function, even when other phone circuits may not be available, using
    these technologies may prove beneficial.
    
    Store this kit in a bag/bags you can easily carry to your car, or
    store it in your car. This kit could also come in handy if you're
    stranded on the road. 
     
    
    Practice and Maintain Your Plan 
    
    * Quiz your family members every six months to ensure that they
      remember what to do. 
    
    * Conduct annual family drills on evacuation, sheltering-in-place,
      fire and other emergency situations . 
    
    * Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to
      manufacturer's instructions. 
    
    * Test your smoke/Carbon Monoxide detectors monthly and change the
      batteries at least twice a year. 
    
    
    Other agencies to contact for additional information:
    
    U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
    Your State Emergency Management Agency
    Your Local Emergency Management Agency
    Your local Fire, Police, EMS agencies 
    The American Red Cross
    The American Heart Association
    
    *** These recommendations are modified from and we wish to issue a
    special thanks to the Office of Emergency Management in the State of
    Oregon.
    
    Reader Note: ERRI and EmergencyNet News make every reasonable effort
    to verify the information and analysis that we send/post, but the
    accuracy and completeness of the information, and of any statements or
    opinions based therein, are NOT guaranteed. The reader assumes any or
    all risks in using information posted or archived by ERRI or
    EmergencyNet News. ERRI and Emergencynet News and/or its associated
    correspondents, or other service providers, can NOT be held
    responsible for errors or omissions, or held liable for any damages
    incurred as a result of use or reliance upon posted or archived
    material. 
    
    Courtesy of:
    
    Emergency Response & Research Institute
    EmergencyNet News Service
    6348 N. Milwaukee Ave. #312
    Chicago, IL 60646, USA
    773-631-3774 - Voice/Messages
    773-631-4703 - Facsimile
    webmasterat_private - E-Mail
    http://www.emergency.com - Main Webpage 
    
    
    
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