The Information on Terrorism You Need to Know

On this page you will learn important information on terrorism and how to protect you and your family.

Our family will never forget what happened on September 11, 2001 in New York City when the Twin Towers came down and thousands of lives were lost due to an act of terrorism in America.




As you probably know, terrorism is the use of force and violence against people and property to intimidate, coerce or hold for ransom. Terrorist attacks violate the laws of all countries.

Terrorist attacks and threats are often used to:

• Spread fear among the general public
  
  
• Make the public feel that government is powerless against terrorism
  
  
• Publicize their causes

Threats of terrorism include:

• Bomb scares and bombings
  
  
• Kidnappings
  
  
• Hijackings
  
  
• Assassinations
  
  
• Cyber attacks (computer based)
  
  
• Use of biological chemical, nuclear and radiological weapons

Terrorists will attack high-risk targets that include:

• International airports
  
  
• Military and civilian government
  
  
• Large cities
  
  
• High-profile landmarks
  
  
• Large public gatherings
  
  
• Water, utilities and food supplies
  
  
• Sending explosives, biological and chemical agents through the postal system

If a terrorist event happens in your immediate area, get instructions from police, fire or other officials. You can prepare for these events like you would for other emergency situations.

Information on Terrorism Safety Guidelines:

• Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
  
  
• If something does not feel right to you, or you feel uncomfortable, leave the area.
  
  
• When traveling, take precautions by staying aware of unusual or suspicious behavior. Never leave your luggage unattended or accept packages from strangers. Report suspicious, unusual behavior or unattended packages to the security personnel.
  
  
• Find out ahead of time where emergency exits are located in the buildings that you frequent and plan how to get out of the building, if an emergency where to arise.
  
  
• Similar to other emergencies, be prepared to do without electricity, water, telephone, gasoline, ATM's and the Internet.
  
  
• In buildings that you work in, ensure that certain supplies are located on each floor of your building. These supplies would include, portable radio, several flashlights, first aid kit and manual, dust masks, hard hats and fluorescent tape to identify dangerous areas.

Types of Terrorism:

Biological Attack

• A release of bacteria, viruses and toxins that can injure or kill people in a general area.

Bomb Attack

• The use of explosive devices to injure or kill people in a general area.

Chemical Attack

• A release of toxic gas, liquid or solid used to poison people within a general area.

Nuclear Blast

• An explosion of intense light, heat, and damaging pressure wave consisting of radioactive material which spreads contamination to the air, water and ground.

Radiation Threat (Dirty Bomb)

• An explosion that spreads radioactive material over a general area.

For more information on being prepared in an emergency:
Family Emergency Plan
Be Informed
Family Emergency Kits

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