Terrorism
TERRORISM and CERT
What is Terrorism?
The U. S. Department of Justice's definition of terrorism is:
...the unlawful use of force or violence committed by a
group or individual against persons or property to
intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian
population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of
political or social objectives.
Terrorist attacks can occur with or without warning. Because of the nature of terrorist attacks, they can -- and are often intended to-- result in:
* Mass casualties.
* Loss of critical resources.
* Disruption of vital services.
* Disruption of the economy.
* Individual and mass panic.
Terrorist Weapons
Biological (inhalation, ingestion, absorption) this is a time sensitive type of detection.
Nuclear and radiological
Incendiary devices (bombs)
Chemical
Explosive
The "B-NICE" (the first letters of each type of weapon) is a quick reference to remembering these 5 types of weapons.
Be alert to changes in the environment as a clue to possible terrorist attack---
- out of place and unattended packages, boxes, vehicles.
-packages that are leaking.
-material or equipment that are unusual for the area.
-unusual odors or taste.
-vapor clouds or mist.
-sick or dead animals, fish, or birds.
Team safety is 1st priority. CERTs are NOT equipped or trained to respond to terrorist incidents. There are steps to take to prepare for a terrorist attack ---
1. Assembling a disaster supply kit.
2. Identifying a safe room in the home or workplace and
a meeting place outside of the home or workplace.
3. Develop a family communication plan.
4. Learn - shelter-in-place procedures.
There are 3 factors that significantly affect safety at a terrorist incident:
1. Time - limiting the time in the exposed area.
2. Distance - 1,000 and 1,500 feet from the incident.
Upwind and uphill from the incident also.
3. Shielding - the shielding provided by a sturdy building
or even a wall can increase your protection from
contamination, radiation, or blast effects.
Paying attention to what is NOT present in the environment
that should be as important as what IS present that should not be.
CERT members - REMEMBER ---
- Treat a terrorist attack as a STOP SIGN.
- Size up area. If any of the indicators of a terror incident are
present - DO NOT proceed with the response. Do not
touch anything, do not attempt to treat victims, move
away from the object or area, and report it to authorities
immediately.
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