September is National Preparedness Month and through the month we have been posting information to help remind us that disasters happen and preparing in advance can help save lives and aid in quicker recovery.  Our final post this month is focused on Terrorism threats and how to prepare.

Current Terrorism Trends

• Foreign terrorist organizations continue to rely on the internet and social media to inspire, enable and direct people already in the United States to commit terrorist acts
• Terrorist groups are urging recruits to adopt easy to use tools and target public places and events; these include vehicle ramming, small arms, straight edged blades or knives, homemade explosives and positions or toxins
• Some oversees terrorist groups are using new tactics such as unmanned aerial systems and chemical agents, many of these technologies are readily available
• Terrorist continue to target commercial aviation and air cargo

Before a Terrorist Attack

• Create an emergency communication plan
  • Choose an out of town contact your household will call to check on should a disaster occur, this contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event
• Establish a meeting place
  • Have a predetermined meeting place away from your home
• Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on
  • Electricity, telephone, natural gas, gasoline, ATM’s and the internet
• Assemble an emergency preparedness kit
  • Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy to carry container such as a duffel bag
  • Include special needs items, first aid supplies, a change of clothes for every member of the household, a sleeping bag for each, a battery powered radio with extra batteries, food, bottled water, tools, cash and copies of important family documents
• Check on the school emergency plan of any school age children you have
  • Will the school keep the children until a guardian arrives or send them home on their own
• Make sure your employer has up to date information about any medical needs and how to contact your beneficiaries

During a Terrorist Attack

• Remain calm and be patient
• Move or leave if something does not seem right
• Follow advice of local emergency officials
  • If asked to leave your home wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes
  • Take your disaster supply kit
• Listen to your radio or television for updates
• Check for damage of your home using a flashlight, do not light matches or turn on electrical switches
  • Smell for gas leaks, if you smell gas turn off the main valve, open windows and get everyone outside quickly
  • Shut off any damaged utilities
• Call your family contact
• Check on your neighbors

After a Terrorist Attack

• Be aware of your surroundings
  • Look for downed power lines, gas leaks and damaged buildings that may be structurally unsound
• Check for injuries
  • Provide first aid and get help for those seriously injured
• Follow advice of local emergency officials
  • Listen for evacuation routes, don’t take shortcuts as they may be dangerous
• Workplaces and schools may be closed

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4  (855-777-8274).