Overall
Why Prepare?
Citizen
Local
State
Federal

Basic Preparedness
Getting Informed
Planning and Checklists
Special Needs
Disaster Supplies Kit
Shelter
Others

Natural Hazards
Floods
Hurricanes
Thunderstorms and lightning
Tornadoes
Winter storms and extreme cold
Extreme heat
Earthquakes
Volcanoes
Landslides and debris flow
Tsunamis
Fires
Wildfires

Technological Hazards
 Hazardous materials incidents
Household chemical emergencies
Nuclear power plant emergencies

Terrorism
Explosions
Biological threats
Chemical threats
Nuclear blasts
Radiological dispersion device events

Recovering from Disaster
Health and safety guidelines
Returning home
Seeking disaster assistance
Coping with disaster
Helping others
 

Terrorism
Throughout human history, there have been many threats to the security of nations. These threats have brought about large-scale losses of life, the destruction of property, widespread illness and injury, the displacement of large numbers of people and devastating economic loss.
Recent technological advances and ongoing international political unrest are components of the increased risk to national security.
Use Part 4 to learn what actions to include in your family disaster plan to prepare for and respond to terrorist threats.
When you complete Part 4, you will be able to:
Recognize important terms

Take protective measures for terrorist threats

Know what actions to take if an event occurs

Identify resources for more information about terrorist threats

General Information about Terrorism
Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to:
Create fear among the public

Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism

Get immediate publicity for their causes
Acts of terrorism include but are not limited to: threats of terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings, hijacking, bomb scares, bombings, cyber attacks (computer-based), and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons.
High-risk targets for acts of terrorism include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities, and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities and corporate centers. Further, terrorists are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail.
Within the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire and other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events.
The following are general guidelines:
Be aware of your surroundings

Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right

Take precautions when traveling

Do not accept packages from strangers

Do not leave luggage unattended

You should promptly report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages and strange devices to the police or security personnel

Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent

Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on—electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs and Internet transactions.

Work with building owners to ensure the following items are located on each floor of residential or commercial buildings:

Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Several flashlights and extra batteries

First aid kit and manual

Hard hats and dust masks

Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas