TERRORISM
T
he Federal Emergency Management Agency defines terrorism as “… the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom.” Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism and to get immediate publicity for their causes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categorizes terrorism in the United States as either domestic terrorism or international terrorism.
congested public area in a hurry. Learn where staircases are located. PREPARE FOR A BUILDING EXPLOSION
The use of explosives by terrorists can result in collapsed buildings and fires. People who live or work in a multilevel building can do the following: • Review emergency evacuation procedures. • Know where fire exits are located. • Keep fire extinguishers in working order. • Learn first aid. SEE IT, SUSPECT IT, REPORT IT Keep a portable, battery-operated radio, several flashIf you have information on a suspicious activity, call the LSP Homeland Defense hotline number: 1-800-434-8007, lights, several hard hats, first aid kit and extra batteries in or file an online complaint of suspicious or criminal activ- a designated place on each floor. If you receive a bomb threat, get as much information ity at WWW.LSP.ORG. from the caller as possible. Keep the caller on the line and record everything that is said. Contact the police and the EMERGENCY INFORMATION 1. Most terrorist incidents in the United States have been building management. After receipt of the bomb threat, do not touch any suspibombing attacks involving detonated and undetonatcious package. ed explosive devices, tear gas and pipe/fire bombs. When evacuating a building, avoid standing in front of 2. The effects of terrorism can vary significantly from windows or other potentially hazardous areas. loss of life and injuries to property damage and disDURING A BUILDING EXPLOSION, get out of the buildruptions in services such as electricity, water supply, ing as quickly and calmly as possible. If items are falling public transportation and communications. from above, get under a sturdy table or desk. 3. One way governments attempt to reduce vulnerabil If there is a fire, stay low to the floor and exit the buildity to terrorist incidents is by increasing security at ing as quickly as possible. Cover your nose and mouth airports and other public facilities. with a wet cloth. When approaching a closed door, use FACTS ABOUT TERRORISM the palm of your hand to feel the lower, middle and 1. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports that upper parts of the door. If it is hot to the touch, do not there are countries that are believed to possess or to be conducting research on biological agents for weap- open the door–seek another escape route. Stay below the smoke at all times. onization. If you are trapped in debris, use a flashlight. Tap on a 2. The Department of Defense estimates that as many as pipe or wall so rescuers can hear where you are. Use a 26 nations possess chemical agents and/or weapons. whistle if available. Shout only as a last resort–shouting In the United States, most terrorist incidents have incan cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. volved small extremist groups that use terrorism to Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people achieve a designated objective. who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency Prepare to deal with a terrorist incident by adapting personnel to arrive. many of the same techniques used to prepare for other CHEMICAL AGENTS are poisonous gases, liquids or crises. solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. • Be alert and aware of the surrounding area. The nature Most chemical agents can cause serious injuries or death. of terrorism suggests there will be little or no warning. BIOLOGICAL AGENTS are organisms or toxins that have illness-producing effects on people, livestock and crops. • Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of A person affected by a biological agent requires the im conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept mediate attention of professional medical personnel. packages from strangers. Do not leave luggage Some agents are contagious, and victims may need to be unattended. quarantined. • Learn where emergency exits are located. Think ahead about how to evacuate a building, subway or
TERREBONNE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
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