After 911 - Are You Prepared If Disaster Strikes Close To Home?

Category: Home and Family

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism as "the unlawful use of force or 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.

"Terrorists may use WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. Weapons of mass destruction include toxic or poisonous chemicals, disease organisms, dangerous radiation, explosive incendiary or poison gas bombs, grenades, rockets or missiles, mines or similar devices.

In our post-911 world with its accompanying climate of war in the Middle East, the threat of domestic terrorism is significantly increased. Do you know how to prepare for a terrorism emergency and what to do if terrorists strike near you?

Self-Reliance Should Be Your Goal

The Department of Defense estimates that about two dozen nations may possess chemical agents and/or weapons. Additional nations are also seeking to develop them. The Central Intelligence Agency reports that at least 10 countries are believed to have, or to be conducting, research on biological agents for weaponization.

In the event of a major emergency, authorities will get your attention in at least one of several ways. There will be announcements over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television stations, a siren could sound, you may be called by telephone, emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker or officials could come to your door.

If a terrorist attack occurs near you, you will need to know how to take care of yourself and your family. Self-reliance is important because local officials and relief workers on the scene of a disaster won't be able to reach everyone right away.

Biological Attacks - What Can You Do?

Biological agents are organisms or toxins that have illness-producing effects on people, livestock and crops. They can be dispersed as aerosols or airborne particles. Terrorists may use biological agents to contaminate food or water because they are extremely difficult to detect. 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.

A common facemask - the N95 dust mask - will provide protection against some agents such as anthrax. These masks are inexpensive and readily available at hardware stores.

Chemical Attacks - Does A Gas Mask Help?

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

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.

Due to the large number of chemical agents, it is impossible to know in advance which filter should be used. With some chemicals, gas masks would be totally ineffective. Depending on how contaminated the air is, the hood or mask could stop working in less than 20 minutes. Batteries in powered air units typically expire in a few hours.

Sealing Your Home

Preparing a safe room is one positive step you can take to protect your family, but it is important to remember that sealing a room is only a temporary protective measure. Be aware that you will run out of oxygen if you stay in a completely sealed room too long.

• Go to an above ground room (not the basement, unless instructed to do so by local officials) with the fewest windows and doors.
• An interior room is the best. A bedroom with an adjoining bath is a good choice. Basement rooms should not be used during chemical emergencies. Basement rooms are the best choice during nuclear releases.
• Wet towels and jam them in the cracks under doors.
• Use duct tape to seal all cracks around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents.
• Use plastic sheeting or plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers.

Make A Family Plan - It Can Save Lives And Avert Panic

Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.

• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones.
• Learn first aid and CPR.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home and the safe spots for each type of disaster.
• Assemble a disaster kit. Stock emergency supplies.
• Know how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your homeat the main switches. If tools are needed to disconnect these utilities, keep them nearby.
• Pick two places for your family to meet if you are separated during a disaster: -- Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency. -- Outside your neighborhood in case, you can't return home.

Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure all family members know your contact's telephone numbers and/or e-mail address.