Response
to terrorist threats
|
Response
to terrorist threats
Q:
What should I do if someone threatens a terrorist action?
A:
If you receive a threat:
- Get as
much information from the caller as possible.
- Keep
the caller on the line and document everything that is said.
- Notify
the police and the building management.
After
you've been notified of a threat:
- Do not
touch any suspicious packages.
- Clear
the area and notify the police immediately.
- Avoid
standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas.
- Do not
block sidewalks or streets to be used by emergency officials.
Q:
I've noticed suspicious activity at the house next door. Should I report
what is going on?
A:
Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities. If
you suspect a crime is being, or is about to be committed, call 911. If
the activity simply appears suspicious, call the police non-emergency
number and be prepared to describe the activity in detail.
Q:
What should I do if I see someone or something near my drinking water
supply that looks suspicious?
A:
Contact your local law enforcement authorities, or 911, to report a suspicious
event, or if you witness a perceived terrorist activity. The more facts
you can provide, the quicker the response time will be. Be prepared to
provide detailed information.
Q:
What should I do if I find a suspicious substance?
A:
Follow these steps:
- Don't
touch the suspicious substance. Don't try to clean up a suspicious substance.
- Alert
anyone nearby about the substance.
- Leave
the room immediately and close the door, or section off the area to
prevent others from entering.
- Remove
contaminated clothing and seal in bags. Wash your hands and exposed
body surfaces well with soap and water.
- Report
and seek assistance from local law enforcement or emergency medical
personnel.
Q:
What should I do if I receive suspicious mail?
A:
Report any suspicious mail to local authorities and take the following
precautions:
If
you haven't touched the suspicious item:
- Don't
touch it. Alert others in the area.
- Walk
away from the envelope or package, leave the room, close the door and
secure the area so no one can enter. Shut off the ventilation system
if possible.
- Remove
contaminated clothing. Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces well
with soap and water. Seek additional instructions and assistance for
exposed or potentially exposed people.
- If at
work, notify a supervisor, security officer or law enforcement official.
If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.
- If possible,
create a list of persons who were in the room or area when the suspicious
letter or package was recognized. Make a list of persons who may have
handled the package or letter. Give the lists to both the local public
health authorities and law enforcement officials.
If you
are holding the suspicious item:
- Do not
open it.
- Don't
shake or empty the contents. Do not carry the package or envelope, show
it to others or allow others to examine it.
- Put the
package or envelope down on a stable surface. Do not sniff, touch, taste,
or look closely at it or at any contents that may have spilled.
- Alert
others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope.
- Leave
the room, close any doors and take actions to prevent others from entering
the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
- Remove
and bag contaminated clothing. Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces
well with soap and water. Seek additional instructions and assistance
for exposed or potentially exposed people.
- If at
work, notify a supervisor, security officer or law enforcement official.
If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.
- If possible,
create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious
letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may
have handled the package or letter. Give the list to both the local
public health authorities and law enforcement officials.
Medical
response
Q:
There has been an explosion of some kind. There are terrible injuries
and no ambulance has arrived. What should I do? I don't know basic first
aid.
A:
Do not approach the scene or remain in the area unless advised to do so
by your local authorities. Following an explosion there is always the
possibility of a second device designed to injure or kill first responders
or bystanders. In addition, you will not be able to determine whether
biological, chemical or nuclear materials were used in the explosive device.
If you enter the scene before authorities have determined it is safe and
proper precautions have been taken you could become another victim.
You
should:
- Call
for medical assistance.
- Listen
to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for information and instruction.
When you are advised that it is safe to remain in the area, check victims
for unconsciousness and life-threatening situations. Someone who has
a life-threatening condition such as not breathing or severe bleeding
requires immediate care by trained responders.
- Seek
medical assistance or ask if someone is trained in first aid procedure.
If trained help is not available and you provide assistance, remember
to protect yourself while administering first aid.
- Avoid
direct contact with blood and other body fluids. If possible, use protective
equipment, such as disposable gloves.
- Thoroughly
wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care.
Basic
first aid steps, recommended by the Red Cross:
- Control
bleeding
- Cover
the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound (direct
pressure).
- Elevate
injured areas above the level of the heart, if you do not suspect that
the victim has a broken bone.
- Cover
the dressing with a roller bandage.
- If the
bleeding does not stop apply additional dressings and bandages and using
a pressure point squeeze the artery against the bone.
- Care
for shock:
- Keep
the victim from getting chilled or overheated.
- Elevate
the legs about 12 inches (if broken bones are not suspected).
- Do
not give food or drink to the victim.
- Tend
burns:
- Stop
the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water.
- Cover
the burn with dry, clean dressing or cloth.
- Care
for injuries to muscles, bones and joints:
- Rest
the injured part.
- Avoid
any movement or activity that causes pain.
- If
you must move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try
to immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving.
- Administer
CPR:
- If
you have training, administer CPR to someone who stops breathing
and has no pulse, or locate someone else who can administer CPR.
Citizen
response
Q:
What should I do if I'm in an area where a biological or chemical weapon
is used?
A:
Leave the area immediately, covering your mouth and nose with available
material such as a napkin, cloth or newspaper.
- Close
the door or section off the contaminated area to prevent others from
entering. If possible, turn off fans or ventilation units.
- Remove
contaminated clothing and place in sealed bags. Quickly rinse your eyes
and exposed skin thoroughly with water.
- Summon
nearby emergency help.
Q:
What should I do following a terrorist attack?
A:
Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for information and instruction. If you are
in a safe area, do not leave that area unless advised to do so by local
officials.
If an attack
occurs near you:
- Check
for injuries. Seek medical assistance for seriously injured people.
- Check
for fires or hazards. Use flashlights, do not light matches or candles
or turn on electrical switches.
- Shut
off damaged utilities. Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect
a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone
outside quickly. Clean up spilled household flammables and poisonous
liquids.
- Locate
your emergency kit and keep it with you. Be sure that you have an adequate
supply of water.
- Put your
emergency plan into action. Call your family contact. Don't use the
phone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Check
on neighbors.
- Confine
or secure your pets.
- Evacuate,
if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.
Q:
If there's an explosion what should I do?
A:
Following an explosion leave the area immediately if you can. In a building
explosion locate the nearest emergency exit and get out of the building
as quickly and calmly as possible.
If
there is a fire:
- Cover
nose and mouth with a wet cloth, stay low to the floor and exit the
building as quickly as possible.
- When
approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the lower,
middle and upper parts of the door. If it is not hot, brace yourself
against the door and open it slowly. If it is hot to the touch, DO NOT
open the door – seek an alternate escape route.
- Stay
below the smoke at all times. Smoke and poisonous gases collect first
along the ceiling.
If
you are trapped in debris:
- If possible,
search for an escape route. In some buildings, you may be able to break
through wallboard or climb through a false ceiling to another unblocked
room.
- Tap on
a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use
a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort—shouting
can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
- Use a
flashlight if needed. Do not turn light switches on or light a match.
If you are
in the immediate area, yet not incapacitated by the explosion you should:
- Seek
medical assistance for seriously injured people.
- Do not
enter collapsed buildings. Do not attempt to rescue people who are inside
a collapsed building unless you are trained to do so. Wait for emergency
personnel to arrive
- Check
for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn
on electrical switches. Check for fire, fire hazards and other household
hazards. Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn
off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
Shut off any other damaged utilities.
- Listen
to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for information and instruction.
Q:
Why won't the police let me check on my family and pets?
A:
There may be a delayed explosion from a "secondary device."
Terrorists use a variety of distraction techniques such as small explosions
to attract attention and crowds. Once an audience of bystanders and emergency
responders has assembled, a larger, more powerful explosion may be detonated.
Stay clear of the immediate area where the detonation occurred.
Bombs or
explosive materials that have not completely detonated are extremely dangerous.
Fragmented pieces of sensitive material may be scattered throughout the
incident site after an incomplete explosion. Any shock, impact or heating
of the materials may cause the material to explode. Do not touch anything.
If other
agents such as biological, radiological or chemical agents were part of
the explosive device the scene may be contaminated. The scene should not
be entered until appropriate monitoring is in place.
There will
soon be numerous personnel at the site and the site will be handled as
a crime scene. A crime scene is full of evidence, some of which is very
small. Extra care should be taken to insure that evidence is not moved
or destroyed.
Evacuation
Q:
What does it mean to evacuate?
A:
In an emergency, "to evacuate" means to leave, withdraw or depart
from a place or area as a protective measure. Local, state or federal
authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection when disaster
threatens. When this decision is made they will issue an evacuation order.
This order will tell you when you need to leave your home or area.
Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio and television station when disaster threatens for detailed information
and instruction.
- It is
important to listen carefully to all instructions.
- Make
sure the evacuation order applies to you.
- Find
out if you need to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack
some essentials.
- Local
government officials will designate evacuation assembly centers or other
facilities offering the greatest level of public safety. The population
will be instructed on where to go and the best routes to leave the area.
Find out where you need to go and what route to take.
- Listen
to your EAS station
while driving to a shelter for updated information and instruction.
Q:
If I'm told to evacuate, what should I do?
A:
If you are told to evacuate immediately:
- Check
on neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer help to
those with disabilities or other special needs. If you need a ride,
ask a neighbor. If no neighbor is available to help you, listen to your
local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for further instructions.
- Locate
and keep your disaster supplies
kit with you. (See also workplace
disaster supplies kit.) Wear
protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy
shoes, hats, gloves and eyeglasses.
- Use travel
routes specified by local authorities – don't use shortcuts because
certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
- Continue
to listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for information and instruction from local
emergency officials.
You
can do the following, only if you are sure you have extra time:
- Call
your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect
to arrive.
- Provide
for your pets. Pets are not permitted in public shelters.
- Gather
a change of clothing for each family member, personal items such as
toothbrushes and eyeglasses, and items for your baby such as formula
and diapers.
- Shut
off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so. Leave
natural gas service ON, unless local officials advise otherwise. Lock
your doors and windows.
Q:
Are there any special precautions I should take while driving to the shelter?
A:
Yes, make sure that you:
- Don't
take shortcuts because a shortcut could put you in the path of danger.
For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take.
- Take
only one car to the evacuation site.
- Close
your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air conditioner.
- Continue
to listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS)
station for updated information and instruction.
Q:
If a terrorist attack occurs during the day my children will most likely
be in school. How will I be able to take care of them?
A:
In an emergency, your children may be sheltered in place or evacuated
from school. Do not go to the school. School personnel are trained to
handle emergencies.
- Do not
call your child's school. You could tie up a phone line that is needed
for emergency communications.
- For further
information, listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station to learn when and where you can pick up
your children.
- Check
with your children's schools prior to an emergency to see what protective
plans they have in place.
Q:
Are there any bomb shelters I can go to if there is an emergency?
A:
There is no listing of bomb shelters or civil defense shelters in any
community in Virginia. After 1970, most of the existing shelters were
either closed or not replaced. There may be private shelters in office
buildings, churches, schools or houses, but they are not listed. There
are numerous guidelines available for building "safe rooms"
traditionally used for protection against tornadoes and hurricanes. These
plans are available on the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov/mit//saferoom.
Some books on the subject were also printed in the 1980s by FEMA and there
are a number of plans available from private businesses and nonprofit
groups. These can be accessed on the Internet using a search engine of
your choice.
Q:
I don't know of any evacuation procedure set up for my area. How can I
find out if we have one?
A:
Check with your local emergency management office. (NOTE: Provide local
emergency numbers if available).
Q:
I'm in a wheelchair, I don't drive and I live alone. What should I do
if we're told to evacuate?
A:
Check with your local emergency management office to find out about special
needs notification procedures. (NOTE: Provide local emergency numbers
if available).
Sheltering
in place
Q:
What does "shelter in place" mean?
A:
"Shelter in place" means to stay indoors – in homes, schools,
businesses or public buildings during an emergency incident. Sheltering
in place may be used when there is little time to react to an incident
– where it would be more dangerous to be outside attempting to evacuate
than to remain where you are.
Q:
How will I know when to shelter in place?
A:
In the event of a major emergency, local authorities will notify you if
you are to shelter in place. They will notify you by one of several methods:
- The order
is usually announced over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station.
- A siren
could sound.
- You may
be called by telephone.
- Emergency
personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker.
- Officials
could even come to your door.
Prior to
an emergency, you can check with your local emergency manager to find
out what notification system your locality will use to alert citizens
to an emergency.
Q:
What should I do when I'm instructed to shelter in place?
A:
When local officials instruct you to shelter in place, you should do the
following:
- If you
are indoors, stay inside.
- If you
are outdoors, go inside immediately. If there are contaminants, you
can provide a minimal amount of protection by covering your mouth and
nose with a cloth. If you have to gather up family members, protect
your body as much as possible.
- Bring
pets inside, if you can safely do so.
- Locate
and keep your disaster kit with you. Make sure your radio is working.
- Close
and lock all windows and exterior doors.
- Turn
off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace
damper.
- 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.
(See the question below.)
- Use plastic
garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers.
- If there
is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains.
To avoid injury, stay away from the windows. Lie flat on the floor in
a protected area and cover your eyes.
- Stay
in the room and listen to your local Emergency Alert Systems (EAS)
radio or television station for information and instruction or until
you are told all is safe.
Q:
Should I use duct tape and plastic sheeting
to seal my home?
A:
Authorities may ask you to tape and seal an interior room with
duct tape and plastic. These items should be included in your disaster
supplies kit. You will not only need to seal the windows and doors
but also the cracks and openings in the walls, floors and ceilings, light
fixtures, fans, plumbing, electrical outlets, door handles and even locks.
Also shut down all air-handling units.
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. You would have to seal the room as tightly as
possible to prevent even small quantities of the chemical from seeping
into the room. If the agent cannot cross the barrier, however, oxygen
will not be able to penetrate it either. Be aware that you will run out
of oxygen if you stay in a sealed room too long.
Coping
emotionally after an attack
Q:
Why was I emotionally affected by the recent terrorist event?
A:
A traumatic experience produces emotional shock and may cause emotional
problems.
Emotional
effects are felt most strongly by those closest to tragic events such
as victims, family members, friends, rescue workers, emergency medical
and mental health care providers and eyewitnesses. However, sudden, unexpected
tragedies can emotionally affect a wide range of people.
After a
terrorist event of great magnitude, you may experience some of the same
feelings that families of victims' experience. Fear and anger can also
be heightened following a terrorist event because we often don't know
who attacked us, why they attacked or why we do not always know how to
respond.
Q:
How can I be emotionally prepared to deal with a terrorist incident?
A:
Nothing in life can prepare you for the horror of an act of terrorism
that robs you of your sense of security and, in some instances, a loved
one. No one ever expects such a thing to happen because violent crime
is an abnormal event. Terrorism is even more rare. One cannot emotionally
prepare for such an event.
Q:
Are my reactions to the terrorist incident normal?
A:
It is difficult to define normal or abnormal reactions to terrorist incidents.
Each of us copes with a catastrophic incident in our own unique way. Normal
reactions can include a wide range of powerful feelings that may feel
abnormal to the person having them or seem strange to those who have not
gone through such a disaster.
Some of
your reactions could include:
- Shock,
numbness and confusion. You may also feel detachment – as if you
are watching a movie or a bad dream that won't end.
- Intense
emotion – you may feel overpowered by sorrow and grief.
- Fear
– you may feel intense fear and startle easily or become anxious.
- Guilt
– Some people find it easier to accept what happened to loved-ones
if they can blame themselves in some way.
- Anger
and resentment – You will naturally have anger for the perpetrators,
but you may also have misdirected anger.
- Depression
and loneliness or feelings of isolation or abandonment.
- Physical
symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, sleeplessness, loss of
sexual feelings and weight gain or loss.
- Panic.
- Inability
to resume normal activity.
Q:
How long will it be before I feel normal again?
A:
We cannot predict when your life will feel normal again following a catastrophic
event. Grief and loss are normal and universal human reactions, and each
of us copes with loss in our own way and in our own time.
Most people
who directly experience a major trauma have severe problems immediately
afterwards. Some people recover immediately and many people feel much
better soon within a few months of the event. Others recover more slowly.
Some do not recover without help.
Q:
How will I know if I'm becoming suicidal?
A:
If you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and think you may hurt yourself
or others, immediately ask for support and guidance from family, friends,
clergy or a professional counselor. For crisis counseling, contact the
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Victim Assistance Center at 1-800-331-0075,
or your local medical provider.
Danger signals
to watch for include:
- Thinking
about suicide often.
- Being
alone too much.
- Not being
able to talk to other people about what you are feeling.
- Sudden
changes in weight.
- Continued
trouble sleeping.
- Using
too much alcohol or other drugs, including prescription drugs.
Q:
I don't want to hurt myself, but I feel overwhelmed. I think I need help.
What should I do?
A:
Take time to grieve and cry if you need to. Do not act like things are
fine when they are not.
Healing
begins by talking about what happened with people you trust.
Coping is
easier when people support each other. Ask for support and help from your
family, friends, church or other community resources. Join or develop
support groups.
Some people
find it helpful to talk with a professional counselor who has worked with
other survivors. Talking with other victims of violent crime may also
help you feel better understood and less alone.
Q:
How can I find professional help or just someone to talk to?
A:
To seek professional help, call your doctor or look in the phone book
for listings under local mental health services or Department of Health
Services. Health professionals will be listed under counseling, psychologists,
social workers, psychotherapists, social and human services or mental
health.
Q:
Is there anything I can do to help myself heal emotionally?
A:
There are some basic actions you can take that may help you cope:
- Get back
to your everyday routine. Familiar habits can be comforting.
- Set small
goals. Take one thing at a time, instead of trying to do everything
at once.
- Simplify
your life. If possible, delay making major decisions.
- Eat healthy
food and take time to exercise or relax. Avoid using alcohol or drugs
that temporarily block pain but prevent healing.
- Make
sure you get enough rest and sleep. When you are under stress you may
need more sleep than usual.
- Do something
that feels good. Take a warm bath or a walk. Sit in the sun or pet your
cat and dog. Think about the things that give you hope and make a list
of those things to read on the very bad days.
- Finding
small ways to comfort others can ease your own suffering. Find something
positive to do or someone to help.
Q:
My family wasn't directly affected by the terrorist attack, but we're
still having trouble coping. What can I do?
A:
Acknowledge feelings of fear, anger and grief. Talk with others about
the tragedy and your feelings. Resume normal routines as soon as possible.
Talk with
your children and assure them that they are safe and protected. Limit
television watching. Don't allow children to view the repetitive scenes
of destruction over which they have no control.
Participate
in community ceremonies. Draw strength from your spiritual or religious
beliefs and traditions.
Contribute
in some way to rescue work and rebuilding efforts through donations of
time, money or other assistance to victims and their families.
Getting
help and information
Q:
If a terrorist incident happens in my neighborhood, whom do I call?
A:
Listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS)
radio or television station for the latest information.
Dial 911
or EMS numbers only for a life-threatening emergency.
Q:
Will authorities let me know if terrorist weapons are used?
A:
Yes, in the event of a public health emergency, local and state health
departments will inform the public about the actions you need to take.
As soon as the circumstances are understood, these officials will call
news conferences to convey accurate information and instructions to the
public. Additional news conferences will be called as frequently as possible
to update the public. In a genuine disaster, the Emergency Broadcast System
(EAS) would be employed
to give instructions to citizens.
Q:
How will I be notified if there is a terrorist action?
A:
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.
Q:
If I listen to the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television
station, what kind of information will be given about a terrorist attack?
A:
Listen for information on:
- The type
of health hazard.
- The area
affected.
- How to
protect yourself.
- Evacuation
routes, if necessary.
- Shelter
locations.
- Type
and location of medical facilities.
- Phone
numbers to call if extra help is needed.
Q:
Before we lost power, we were instructed to stay tuned to the local radio
station. I don't have a battery-operated radio. How can I find out what's
happening in my community?
A:
Find a neighbor with a radio, check your car radio or telephone your emergency
management office. Do not leave a safe area to find a radio or phone.
Q:
Is there a radio or television station in my area that will keep me updated
during a disaster?
A:
Please wait a moment while I look it up for you. (NOTE: Check list of
local Emergency Alert System (EAS)
broadcast stations, if available.)
Q:
How will I know if I shouldn't drink my water?
A:
Your water supplier is required by law to notify you if your water doesn't
meet EPA or state standards or if there is a waterborne disease emergency.
They will notify you by newspaper, mail, radio, TV or hand delivery.
- The notice
will describe any precautions you need to take, such as boiling your
water.
- If there
is an attack on a local water system, the drinking water utility will
activate its emergency response plan with local law enforcement and
state emergency officials. These plans provide for shutting down the
system, notifying the public of emergency steps to take and an alternative
source of water, if needed.
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