TERRORISM

Part Two

 

You need to be alert to the environment as a clue to a possible Terrorist Attack. Environmental indicators of a Biological or Chemical attack could include one or any combination of the following nine indicators:

  1. Numerous sick or dead animals, fish or birds, because wildlife is more sensitive to chemical or biological agents than are humans.
  2. Unscheduled spraying or abandoned spray devices. Several September 11th Terrorist are known to have made inquires into purchasing or learning to fly crop dusters.
  3. Vapor clouds or mist that is unusual for the area or for the time of day.
  4. The absence of crops, wildlife or insects that are common for the area. Being aware of what is not in the environment that should be is as important as being aware of what is in the environment but out of place.
  5. Out of place and unattended packages, boxes or vehicles. Terrorist have a long history of hiding explosive devices in these things.
  6. Packages that are leaking may be harmless, but they can also be a signal that a terrorist incident is taking place. The Terrorist who released SARIN into the Tokyo Japan Subway system merely poked holes in the bags containing the SARIN then they left the area as the poison leaked out. SARIN is a Nerve agent and will kill.
  7. Materials or equipment that are unusual for the area. Dispersal devices, Lab equipment or quantities of hazardous materials that are not typically located in the area may indicate that a Terrorist attack is occurring or is about to happen.
  8. Small explosions that disperse liquids mist or gases are an obvious sign that something is wrong.
  9. Unusual odors and/or taste.

 

You may observe some physical indications of a Terrorist attack as well, and three of these are:

  1. Multiple casualties without obvious signs of trauma. This could indicate a biological or chemical attack.
  2. Multiple victims who are exhibiting similar symptoms. These symptoms may range from difficulty breathing to skin neurosis to uncontrolled salivating, uncontrolled muscle twitching or convulsions. All of these symptoms indicate that a chemical attack may have taken place.
  3. Large numbers of persons seeking medical attention with similar symptoms that is not characteristic of the season. The symptoms of many biological agents mimic the Flu or other common illnesses.  

 

Self care during Terrorist attacks is very important. You need to know what actions to take should you ever experience one. There are three factors that significantly affect safety at a Terrorist incident and they are:

  1. TIME: Limiting the amount of time in the area of an incident limits exposure.
  2. DISTANCE: Evacuate the area at once. Professional responders suggest maintaining distance of between 1000 and 1500 feet from the incident, also move upwind and/or uphill from the incident site.
  3. SHIELDING: The shield provided by a sturdy building or even a wall can increase protection from contamination, radiation or blast effects.

 

TIME, DISTANCE and SHIELDING requirements are based on an initial size-up of the situation, UNFORTUNATIONLY; these may not always protect you.

 

Because safety is the first priority, you should treat possible Terrorist incidents as a STOP SIGN. There are ways to prepare for a Terrorist incident and some of these steps for preparing for a Terrorist attack are the same as those for Natural hazards, but there are also some that require special planning. These steps are:

  1. Develop a Family Plan.
  2. A 72 hour personal and family member’s survival kit.
  3. Identify a safe room in the home or work place.
  4. Shut off the ventilation system and latch all doors and windows to reduce airflow from outside.
  5. Listen to radio and/or watch television for the all clear or further instructions. Chemicals used in an attack will be carried on the wind and will dissipate over time.
  6. Prepare a sheltering kit which is made up of pieces of plastic over cut by six (6) inch’s in size to fit all windows, and duct tape. By using duct tape to secure the plastic in place around the window, you will ensure a good seal. After the doors and windows are covered you should then seal the heat and air vents, electrical wall outlets and switches, and around pipes where they come through the wall and or floors.

 

One last thing that you should remember is that when you start to report an incident, “cell phones and 2-way radio equipment causes static electricity and may detonate explosive devices.

 

This material may be copied and freely distributed as long as no money is derived from its use! If you make money from any of this send me half.

Written by Tom Harris, k5wth

11-23-05