In the Event of Terrorism

Unlike a hurricane or a flood, there will likely be no warning for a terrorist attack. So what can you do to prepare?

Families need to know what to do to locate each other in a disaster. A Family Disaster Plan is very important and should be in place at all times.  Your family's plan should include emergency contacts, identification of meeting places, and a disaster supply kit.

Family Disaster Plan:

• Determine escape routes from your home and meeting places; including your child's school, a neighbor or a public place.
• Have an out-of-state friend or relative as a family contact so all family members have a single point of contact. Identify at least two ways of contact (phone numbers, e-mail, etc.).
• Make a pet plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by your telephones, on the refrigerator, in your wallet or purse, and in children's book bags or backpacks. Make sure children know how and when to call 9-1-1.
• Stock nonperishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit.
• Set up a safe room or improvised shelter in an interior room-windowless if possible. Keep duct tape, plastic sheeting or garbage bags to seal around windows and doors and to close off heating and air conditioning ducts.

Recommendations Based on Incident Types 

Explosion:

• Leave the premises as quickly and calmly as possible. If items are falling from above, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Exit as soon as possible.
• If you are trapped in debris-cover your mouth with a piece of cloth, tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Shout as a last resort. Shouting can result in inhalation of dangerous amounts of dust.
• Assisting victims-untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people in a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Fire:

• Stay low to the floor and exit as quickly as possible.
• Stay below the smoke at all times.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
• If the door is hot, do not open it-seek an alternate escape route.

Bio-Chemical Agents:

• Authorities will instruct you to either seek shelter and seal the premises or evacuate immediately.
• Turn off the air conditioner or heating system immediately.

Mail Handling (suspicious packages):

• Leave suspicious letters or packages alone. Do not touch or move the item(s), but cover if possible.
• Leave the vicinity immediately.
• Instruct all who open or have contact with suspicious items to wash hands with soap and water.
• Contact local law enforcement agency via 9-1-1.
• Immediately collect contact information of all people that may have been exposed.