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Preparing for Terrorist Attacks

  What is terrorism?

The use of violence by a person or group with an intention to scare the government or society.

Steps of Preparedness

  Before a terror attack:

  • Determine the possible events and their potential in your community.
  • Discuss them with your family or member of the household.
  • Develop a disaster plan together.
  • Create an emergency communications plan with family phone numbers and designate an out-of-town contact for your family to call in case of an emergency.
  • Establish a meeting place.
  • Assemble two disaster supply kits: one if you need to stay inside your home and one for evacuations.
  • Check your school’s emergency plan. Remember to remain calm and patient.

  During a terror attack:

  • Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
  • Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
  • If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries, give first aid, and get help for seriously injured people.
  • If the disaster occurs near your home, use a flashlight to check damages. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards, and other household hazards. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, get outside quickly and let someone know.
  • Have a grown up shut off any other damaged utilities.
  • Secure your pets.
  • Call your contacts-do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
  • Have a family member check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

  After a terror attack:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sturdy shoes to protect yourself as much as possible.
  • Take your disaster supplies kit and your pets with you; do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative's or friend's home, or find a "pet-friendly" hotel. Don’t forget to lock your home.
  • Identify the driver to use escape routes specified by local authorities—don't use shortcuts.
  • Stay away from downed power lines.
  • Call your local Red Cross for help with food, shelter, and clothing.
Do you know how to prepare for a disaster? To learn more click on an icon below.
What is a fire? The process of combustion or burning of inflammable materials (like paper, wood, cloth, etc.) producing heat and light and often smoke. What is a flood? An overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. For more information, click on icon. What is a hurricane? A severe tropical cyclone originating in the equatorial regions of the Atlantic Ocean or Caribbean Sea or eastern regions of the Pacific Ocean, traveling north, northwest, or northeast from its point of origin, and usually involving heavy rains. For more information, click on icon. What is a thunderstorm? A storm with lightning caused by changes in air pressure. Severe thunderstorms can bring heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and tornados. For more information, click on icon. What is a winter storm? A storm with lots of snow, sometimes hail, and strong cold wind. For more information, click on icon. What is a tornado? A funnel shaped cloud, striking the ground with whirling winds of up to 200 miles per hour. For more information, click on icon.
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