There is usually little or no warning for a terrorist incident. An individual must use his/her own discretion during a terrorist incident as to how to respond. However, best practices for a terrorist incident are listed below:
At all times:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
Note suspicious items, packages, or vehicles that seem out of place and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Note suspicious activities or behaviors and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Potential targets recognized by the U.S. Government:
Airports, seaports, and harbors
Major cities or landmarks
Large crowds
Infrastructure such as power plants, transportation centers, or communication centers
Business and industrial centers such as Wall Street or a World Trade Center
Types of terrorist attacks
Explosive devices cause detonations which throw debris into the air and start fires. Explosive devices can be left in place and detonated remotely or carried by a vehicle or even an individual. Explosive devices are used in most terrorist attacks.
Biological agents such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins typically make people sick.
Chemical agents are toxic to people, plants, or animals, and are found in the form of solids, liquids, vapors, or aerosols.
Radioactive attacks include nuclear explosions and “dirty bombs.” A “dirty bomb” is designed to spread radioactive material over a region.
Protective measures to implement following a terrorist incident:
Distance yourself from the location of the incident and seek shelter as soon as possible.
Follow instructions from College Police or public agency personnel.
If exposed to a chemical agent or if you have trouble breathing, use your clothing as a simple filter by covering your face and breathing through your clothing.
If exposed to a chemical, biological, or radioactive agent, change out of any contaminated clothing, shower, put on clean clothing, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries, if you have trouble breathing, or believe you were exposed to a contaminating agent.