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Threats & Emergencies  

Terrorism

Terrorism Home • Terrorism Basics • VDEM Terrorism Toolkit

VDEM Terrorism Toolkit

Weapons of Mass Destruction > Explosives

• Description
• Terrorist threats
• Medical response
• After the explosion
• Protective actions
• Evacuation
• Sheltering in place
• Awareness and notification
• Emergency supplies
• Community readiness

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Description

Q: Why do terrorists use explosives?
A: Terrorists use explosives because:

• They are simple to use. A terrorist does not need to make an elaborate device to cause havoc and mass destruction. The use of a pipe bomb attached to a propane storage container can be just as catastrophic as an elaborate device.
• Materials are readily available. Most communities store enough propane and common hazardous materials needed to produce a significant explosion. Access to these materials can require little effort from the bomber.

Q: What types of bombs do terrorists use?
A: Terrorists use an assortment of dangerous materials to fabricate bombs that can vary in size – from a pipe bomb weighing several pounds to a truck bomb weighing several thousand pounds. Explosives used by terrorists are often classified by the following categories:

• Unconventional use – a conventional object used in an unconventional way to create mass destruction. In the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, hijackers flew passenger planes into their intended targets, relying on the impact of the planes and their full fuel tanks to create havoc.
• Vehicle bomb – usually large powerful devices that consist of a large quantity of explosives fitted with a timed or remotely triggered detonator packed onto a car or truck.
• Pipe bomb – a quantity of explosives sealed into a length of metal or plastic pipe. A timing fuse usually controls detonation, but other methods can be used including, electronic timers, remote triggers, and motion sensors. These are the most common explosive device, and are at the opposite end of the scale from vehicle bombs in terms of size and power.
• Satchel charge – an old military term for an explosive device in a canvas-carrying bag. In recent history, "daypacks" or knapsacks have been used for the carrying device, while the explosives have contained antipersonnel materials such as nails and glass to inflict more casualties.
• Package or letter bomb – the explosive material is contained in a package or letter that is usually triggered when opened.

Terrorist threats

Q: If I suspect there is a bomb in the building I am in, what should I do?
A: Report any suspicious activity to local 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.

If you receive a bomb 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 building management if applicable.

After you've been notified of a bomb threat:

• Do not touch any suspicious packages. Alert those near the package.
• Clear the area around the suspicious package 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.

Medical response

Q: It appears an explosion of some sort has happened in town. I'm on the scene calling from my cell phone. 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 also used in the explosion. Do not enter the scene until appropriate precautions are taken and local authorities have determined it is safe. Meanwhile you can:

• Tune in to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information.
• Call for medical assistance.

If 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.

Follow these basic first aid steps, as 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

After the explosion

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 on light switches 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 or go closer to the site of the explosion. 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: I'm worried about my family; why won't they let me back in my neighborhood?
A: There could 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.

The site will be handled as a crime scene. A crime scene is full of evidence, some of which is very small. Extra care will be taken to insure that evidence is not moved or destroyed.

Protective Actions

Q: How can I help my family be prepared in case of a terrorist event or other disaster?
A: You can develop an emergency plan for your household or work place. Meet with your family or coworkers and prepare for a disaster before one occurs. You should:

• Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones. Teach your children how and when to call 911 or your local emergency medical services number.
• Learn first aid and CPR. Have fire extinguishers on hand and know how to use them properly.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home or office building. Find two ways out of each room. Find the safe spots in your home or office building for each type of disaster.
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Stock emergency supplies.
• Have a battery-operated radio on hand with extra batteries. Identify your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio and television stations.
• Know how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home at the main switches. If tools are needed to disconnect these utilities, keep them nearby.
• Pick two places for your family to meet if you are separated during a disaster:
  • Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
  • Outside your neighborhood in case, you can't return home.
• Ask an out-of-state friend or relative to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance.
  • Your selected contact should live far enough away that they are unlikely to be directly affected by the same event as you. They will need to know they are your contact.
  • Make sure all family members know your contact's telephone numbers and/or e-mail address. Your children should have these numbers at school and the numbers should be at your workplace.
  • Following a disaster, family members should call their contact and tell them where they are.
• Plan what to do in case of an evacuation. Know your children's schools' emergency plans.
• Decide how to provide for your pets.
• Meet with neighbors to develop a neighborhood plan.
• Practice and maintain your plan.

Q: Explosions happen quickly, is there any way that I can prepare for an explosion?
A: You can take some basic precautions:

• Review emergency evacuation procedures. Know where fire exits are located.
• Keep fire extinguishers in working order. Know where they are located, and how to use them.
• Learn first aid.

Keep the following items in a designated place on each floor of a multi-level building:

• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
• Several flashlights and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Several hard hats.
• Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.
• A small disaster supplies kit, which should contain water, small high-energy foods and a whistle. (See also workplace disaster supplies kit.)

Evacuation

Q: If I'm told to evacuate, what should I do?
A: Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction. Local officials will have the most accurate information specific to an event in your area.

If advised to evacuate immediately:

• Locate and keep your disaster supplies kit with you.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities – don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sturdy shoes.

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.
• Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so. Leave natural gas service ON, unless local officials advise otherwise.

Q: Are there any special precautions I should take while I'm driving to the shelter?
A: Take the following precautions:

• Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut may 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.
• If possible, continue to listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio station for updated information.

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 local emergency radio and TV stations to learn when and where you can pick up your children.
• You can check with your children's schools prior to an emergency to see what protective plans they have in place.

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 you local emergency management office.

Q: I'm confined to a wheelchair, I don't drive and I live alone. What should I do if we're told to evacuate?
A: Check your local emergency management office to find out about special needs notification procedures.

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 shelter immediately. If there are visible contaminants, you can provide a minimal amount of protection by covering your mouth and nose with a damp cloth. If you have to gather up family members protect your body as much as possible.
• Bring pets inside, if possible. But, do not risk your safety for your pets.
• Locate and keep your disaster kit with you. Make sure your radio is working. Make sure you have an ample supply of fresh water.
• 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.
• 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.

Awareness and notification

Q: If an explosion occurs in my neighborhood, whom do I call?
A: Listen to your local 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 notify me if there is an explosion in my area?
A: Yes, in the event of a public health emergency, local and state health departments will inform the public about the actions individuals need to take.

Q: How will I be notified if there is an explosion?
A: In the event of a major emergency there will be information broadcast over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station.

Q: If I listen to the local EAS station what information will they give me?
A: Listen for information on:

• The type of 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.

Emergency supplies

Q: Should I stockpile food in case of a terrorist attack?
A: It is always a good idea to keep a supply of nonperishable food and water on hand.

Q: How can I keep a clean, adequate supply of water on hand?
A: Follow these steps:

• Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
• Store 1 gallon of water per person per day – 2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation.
• Keep at least a 3-day supply per person for drinking, food preparation and sanitation. A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water daily. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that need. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.

Q: What is a disaster kit and what should be in it?
A: A disaster kit contains supplies that can help you endure an evacuation or home confinement. You may already have most of these items in your house or workplace. (See also workplace disaster supplies kit.)

• Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy to carry container such as a large covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag.
• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
• Keep a smaller version of the kit in the trunk of your car. Include supplies for any pets.
• Change stored water and food every 6 months.

Six basics recommended for your disaster supplies kit are: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items.

• Water – Store a three-day supply (minimum). You will need enough for each person in your household. One gallon per day per person is recommended.
• Food – Store a three-day supply (minimum) of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. Remember special need foods for elderly, ill or baby.
• First aid kit – Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Include extra eyeglasses and prescription medicines.
• Emergency tools – Include a battery-operated radio and extra batteries. Tape the call letters and frequency numbers of your Emergency Alert System (EAS) station on the radio. Make sure everyone knows how to work the radio and put in fresh batteries. Include an emergency preparedness manual and a flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs. Pack basic tools such as wrenches for turning off utilities.
• Sanitation Supplies – toilet paper, Ziploc bags, garbage bags with seals, 5-gallon bucket with lid, feminine hygiene products, pre-moistened towelettes.
• Clothing and Bedding – Include at least one complete change of clothing and sturdy footwear per person. Include two blankets or one sleeping bag per person.
• Special Items – These are items for family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons, such as diapers and specific care items. You might also want to include a few entertainment items such as games and books.
• Important papers – Keep important family documents, cash, traveler's checks and a credit card in a waterproof portable container. Include an extra set of car keys.

Community readiness

Q: Does every community have an adequate emergency response system, especially one geared for a terrorist attack? How quickly can they be implemented?
A: Emergency response systems vary based on each community’s needs and resources. Some emergency system components can be implemented very quickly, while others may take longer.

Q: Are hospitals prepared to handle a sudden surge in demand 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 individual hospital resources, hospitals collaborate with other hospitals in their area to respond to terrorist attacks 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.