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Terrorism Home • Terrorism Basics • VDEM Terrorism Toolkit
Q: What are biological agents?
A: Biological agents are live organisms or their poisons used by terrorists to cause illness or death in humans. Several biological organisms are suitable for weapon adaptation by terrorists. These biological agents are classified in three groups:
Q: What is bioterrorism?
A: Bioterrorism or biological warfare is the intentional use of organisms to harm or kill people. Biological agents can also be used to harm plants, crops and animals in order to disrupt an economy.
Q: How harmful are biological agents?
A: Some are deadly, especially if there is a delay in recognition of the cause of illness and a delay in starting appropriate therapy. Other agents cause illness without death.
Q: Have biological weapons been used before?
A: Yes, biological pathogens have been used for biological warfare and terrorism. Both the U.S. and the Soviet Union prior to the closing of their biological weapons programs developed the potential for delivery of biological weapons and viable agents. The anthrax cases in 2001 were the result of a bioterrorist attack.
Q: Why are biological agents effective as weapons?
A: Biological agents are effective as weapons because:
Q: How many biological agents can be used as weapons?
A: The list of potential agents that could be used as weapons is long. However, only a handful of biological agents are believed to have the ability to paralyze a large city or region of the country and cause high numbers of deaths, wide-scale panic and massive disruption of commerce.
Some biological agents considered by health authorities to have bioterrorism potential are:
Q: Is it easy for terrorists to get biological agents?
A: It is possible to obtain biological organisms, but not easy. It is extremely difficult to change a biological organism to make it a "weapons grade" agent. It is thought that it would take the resources of an established government or state to accomplish this.
Q: How can biological agents be spread?
A: People could be exposed to bacteria, viruses or toxins through fine airborne particles (aerosol), contaminated food and water or person-to-person contact.
Q: How do biological agents enter the body?
A: Biological agents are infectious through one or more of the following exposure mechanisms:
Q: How will I know if I've been exposed to a biological weapon?
A: You will most likely not know you have been exposed unless the terrorist issues a threat or claims responsibility.
Q: What should I do if someone threatens a terrorist action?
A: If you receive a threat:
After you've been notified of a threat:
Q: I've noticed suspicious activity at the house next door. People come and go carrying packages and lately they've been wearing medical masks. 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 find a suspicious substance?
A: Report any suspicious substance to local authorities.
Q: What should I do if I receive suspicious mail?
A: If you receive suspicious mail:
Q: If I'm in a contaminated area, what should I do?
A: If you believe a biological agent has contaminated a room:
Q: What if I think there has been a biological release and no one else seems to know about it?
A: If you think you have been exposed to a biological agent or if you see something that you think may be dangerous, immediately call your local police.
Q: Can terrorists put biological agents in my drinking water?
A: Contamination of water supplies by chemical, biological or radiological agents is a possibility, but is not considered a great risk, due to protective measures already in place.
Q: Is there any treatment for disease outbreaks that could occur following a bioterrorist attack?
A: Treatment for exposure to a biological weapon depends on the agent used and would be determined by your local health care providers. If you suspect you have been exposed to a biological agent contact your health care provider or emergency medical personnel.
If it is determined that there is an outbreak in your locality, listen to advice given by local officials on your Emergency Response System (EAS) radio or television station to determine what steps you need to take, or contact your health care provider.
Q: What should I do if I am in a biological weapon's range?
A: Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station to determine what steps you need to take to protect you and your family.
Q: Can I get vaccinated to protect myself from diseases such as smallpox?
A: Vaccines for any of the potential agents such as anthrax, smallpox or plague are not currently available to the public or recommended. Check with your physician, health care provider or local health department in the event of an actual event for any changes in these recommendations.
Q: What can I do to prepare for biological warfare?
A: The most important protective measure is early detection of disease. Early detection is the key to minimizing worsening of illness in affected persons. You should stay informed and alert for local public health announcements concerning dangers.
Q: I'm still very anxious, isn't there anything I can do?
A: You might feel less anxious if you take small precautionary steps such as:
Q: Should I keep a lot of food on hand in case there is a biological attack?
A: Although it doesn't hurt to keep a supply of nonperishable food and water on hand, there are very few biological agents for which remaining in your home will be safer than going outside. Follow the advice of your local health officials.
Q: How do I keep my stockpiled food and water from getting contaminated by biological agents?
A: Store food and water in sealed containers.
Q: Should I keep a supply of antibiotics on hand in the event there is a biological attack?
A: No. It is not recommended to stockpile antibiotics for several reasons:
Q: Should I buy a gas mask to protect me if there's a biological attack?
A: We view the purchase of escape hoods, gas masks and similar equipment a matter of personal choice. If you wish, you may search the Internet for gas masks and escape hoods, or check the Yellow Pages under Safety Equipment and Clothing.
Escape hoods, gas masks and similar equipment are difficult to use properly and have numerous limitations. Escape hoods are made of plastic and have a special filter. They must be put on in a clean environment and taken off promptly after the wearer has gone through a contaminated area.
Gas masks must be fitted to each individual and they must contain the proper filter in order to be effective. With the large number of potential chemical agents, it is impossible to know in advance which filter should be used. With some chemicals, gas masks would be totally ineffective.
Depending on how contaminated the air is, the hood or mask could stop working in less than 20 minutes. Batteries in powered air units typically expire in a few hours.
For the general population, we recommend standard protective actions of sheltering in place or evacuation. You can find guidance about sheltering in place or evacuation on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Web site. Or, call your local emergency management office or the American Red Cross chapter.
Tune in to the radio or television station where you normally get your news for information on what actions to take. Where you are in relation to the site of an incident will affect how you should respond. Listen carefully.
Q: What about biological agents?
A: A common facemask - the N95 dust mask - will provide protection against such agents as anthrax. These masks are inexpensive and readily available at hardware stores.
Q: Can I survive a biological attack if I seal the windows and doors in my home?
A: Most attacks occur without warning. Unless you seal your windows and doors permanently, you cannot prevent contamination. It would also depend on the agent and how it was dispersed. Some biological agents may spread person-to-person so sealing the home would not be necessary.
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.
Q: How do I find out what water can be used following a disaster, if I don't have any stored?
A: Listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for the latest information and instruction. In the event an attack affects a local water system, your drinking water utility will activate its existing emergency response plan with local and state emergency officials. Emergency plans have provisions for shutting down water systems, notifying the public of emergency steps to take and an alternative source of water they can use, if needed.
Q: If I haven't stockpiled water and I can't access any local information about water sources, what water could I use following a disaster?
A: Take the following steps:
If you need to find water outside your home, you can use several sources:
Treat water before drinking it. Avoid water with floating material, an odor or dark color. Use saltwater only if you distill it first. Do not drink floodwater.
Q: If I'm sheltering or trapped in my home or work place, what water sources can I use?
A: If you are caught without a supply of clean water, you can use water from your hot water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use water in the reservoir tank of your toilet (not the toilet bowl).
Q: If I have to disinfect my water, what should I do?
A: Listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for the latest local information and instruction. In times of extreme crisis, local health departments may urge consumers to follow additional measures. When local public health department information differs from any general advice being given, the local information should prevail.
If you are told to disinfect your water:
Q: How should I boil water that is unsafe to drink?
A: Treat it like this:
Q: How do I chemically disinfect my water?
A: When boiling is not practical, you can use certain chemicals to disinfect your water. The two chemicals commonly used are chlorine and iodine. (These chemicals do not effectively kill several microorganisms found in surface water. Boiling is a better alternative when surface, rather than well water, is used.)
Chlorine bleach
You can use common household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach. Do not use scented bleaches, color safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners.
Follow the directions given on your liquid bleach label. If there are no directions, add 1/8 tsp. or 8 drops (double this amount for cloudy or colored water) of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes.
If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 30 minutes. If the treated water has too strong a chlorine taste, leave it exposed to the air for a few hour or pour it from one clean container to another several times.
Chlorine tablets
Chlorine tablets can be purchased in commercially prepared form that contains the necessary dosage for drinking water disinfection.
These should be used as stated in the package instructions. When instructions are not available, use one tablet for each quart of water.
Tincture of iodine
Common household iodine from the medicine chest or first aid kit may be used to disinfect water.
Add five drops of 2 percent United States Pharmacopeia (USP) tincture of iodine to each quart of clear water (for cloudy water, add 10 drops).
Let the solution stand for at least 30 minutes before drinking.
Iodine tablets
Commercially prepared iodine tablets containing the necessary dosage for drinking water disinfection can be purchased to disinfect water.
Use as directed on the package. When instructions are not available, use one tablet for each quart of water to be purified.
Q: I've been told that to drink salt water I need to distill it. How do I distill water?
A: Distillation removes microbes that resist boiling and chemicals. It also removes heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals. Distillation involves boiling water and collecting vapor, which condenses back to water. The condensed vapor will not include salt and other impurities.
To distill:
The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
Q: Do I need to keep a supply of water on hand for use during an emergency? How do I store the water?
A: You may want to keep a fresh supply of stored water in your house for emergencies. Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. If disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to water for days, or even weeks.
A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people need even more. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene.
Q: How should I treat water before storing it?
A: Only your local public health agency should make recommendations about whether your local water can be safely stored, for how long, and how to treat it. Check with your local health department prior to an emergency for local water storage tips. After a disaster listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for updated information and instruction.
Q: Is bottled water safer from a biological attack than the water from my tap?
A: Bottled water is not necessarily safer from a terrorist attack than your tap water. In most cases, bottled water comes from a water source just like water from your tap. Tap water is protected at the drinking water facility through local security measures while the safety of bottled water depends on security and emergency response plans at the bottling plant.
Q: Can my pet get diseases from biological agents?
A: Yes and no, depending on the agent. Pets are susceptible to some of the same diseases humans contract. Check with your veterinarian for specific disease information.
Q: Are there vaccinations my pets can get for protection from biological agents?
A: There are some vaccines available for pets for specific diseases. Check with your veterinarian for vaccination and treatment information.
Q: If I'm asked to evacuate, what should I do?
A: Authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection. If you are asked to evacuate, listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for detailed information.
Q: If I'm told to leave my home or office immediately? What should I take with me?
A: If you are told to evacuate immediately:
You can do the following, only if you are sure you have extra time:
Q: Are there any special precautions I should take while I'm driving to the shelter?
A: Follow these precautions:
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.
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.
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.
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. 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: If I'm told to "shelter in place" what should I do?
A: "Shelter in place" may be one of the basic instructions given during an emergency. This is a precaution aimed to keep you safe while remaining in your home or other location. If you are told to shelter in place:
Q: Will authorities notify me if biological weapons are used?
A: Yes, in the event of a public health emergency, local and state health departments will inform you about any actions you need to take. As soon as the circumstances are understood, these officials will call news conferences to convey accurate information and instructions. Additional news conferences will be called as frequently as possible with updated information. In a genuine disaster, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) would be used to give instructions.
Q: How will I be notified if biological weapons are used?
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 station, 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. You can check with local authorities prior to a disaster to see what notification methods they would use.
Q: If I listen to the local EAS station what kind of information will I get about a biological agent release?
A: You could be told:
Q: Should I call 911 for information following a biological attack?
A: Dial 911 or EMS numbers only for a life-threatening emergency.
Listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for the latest information.
Q: What emergency supplies should I keep on hand in case there's a terrorist attack?
A: Keep these supplies on hand:
Q: Are hospitals in my area prepared to handle a biological emergency and its demands for health care?
A: The preparedness level in hospitals depends on the agent used in an attack. Because a sudden surge in patients could overwhelm an individual hospital's resources, hospitals collaborate with other hospitals in their area to respond effectively to an attack on a citywide or regional basis.
Hospitals are required to maintain disaster response plans and to practice applying them as part of their accreditation process. In an emergency, local medical care capacity will be supplemented with federal resources. Most hospitals in Virginia have been modifying their disaster response plans to prepare for a bioterrorist event.
Q: Does every community have an adequate emergency response system? How quickly can it be implemented?
A: The emergency response system varies from community to community on the basis of each community's needs and resources. Some emergency system components can be implemented very quickly, while others may take longer. (NOTE: Provide local emergency numbers if available).