Advice on Preparing for Disaster

Feds give practical advice on preparing for terrorist attacks

Medically Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD
Written by Jennifer Warner
3 min read

As the threat of terrorist attack appears more real every day,officials have some advice on how to prevent and prepare for possible terroristattack. Aside from the usual "be aware of your surroundings" rhetoric,new guidelines urge Americans to take more practical steps ranging fromassembling a "disaster supply kit" to keeping a supply of duct tape andplastic sheeting on hand to seal off their homes if necessary.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security say most ofthe precautions aren't necessarily new and are based on disaster preparednessprograms of the American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA).

The report outlines recommended responses to a variety ofpotential acts of terrorism, including bomb scares as well as biological,chemical, nuclear, and cyber attacks and is the first major public educationeffort launched by the newly formed Department of Homeland Security.

High-risk targets include military and civilian facilities,international airports, large cities, and high profile landmarks. Butterrorists might also target food and water supplies, large public gatherings,utilities and corporate centers.

The nature of terrorism means there is often little or nowarning, so officials says preparedness is the best defense.

  • Know where emergency exits are located.
  • Keep fire extinguishers in working condition, know where they are, and howto use them.
  • Learn first aid (contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross forinformation on training).
  • Building owners should keep a kit containing the following in designatedplace on each floor: portable radio with batteries, several flashlights andextra batteries, first aid kit and manual, several hard hats, and fluorescenttape to rope off dangerous areas.

First and foremost, in this type of attack tune in to yourradio or TV for instructions from authorities about whether to evacuate orremain indoors. They will advise you of what to do during and after the attack.Among other things you can do:

  • Assemble a disaster supply kit containing: battery-powered radio;non-perishable food and drinking water; a roll of duct tape, scissors, andplastic for doors, windows and vents to seal off an internal room from air thatmay contain dangerous chemicals; first aid kit, sanitation supplies includingsoap, water, and bleach.
  • In case of attack, turn off all ventilation, including furnaces, airconditioners, vents and fans and seek shelter in a sealed off, internalroom.
  • If you are outside in an unprotected area during an attack, attempt to getupwind of the contaminated area, seek shelter as soon as possible, and listento your radio or TV for further instructions.
  • After a chemical or biological attack use caution with helping others.Remove all clothing and other items in contact with the body, flush eyes withlots of water, gently wash face and hair with soap and water, blot othercontaminated body areas with a cloth soaked in soapy water and rinse with clearwater, and change into uncontaminated clothes (clothing stored in drawers orclosets is likely uncontaminated).
  • Learn the warning signals and all sources of warning in yourcommunity.
  • Assemble a disaster supply kit with enough food, water, medications, fueland personal items for two weeks.
  • Find out what buildings in your area have been designated as falloutshelters, and give everyone in your household clear instructions about wherethese shelters are located.
  • Do not look at the flash or fireball, it could be blinding.
  • If you hear the warning signal, take cover below ground if possible. If youare caught outside, take cover under anything that might offer protection andlie flat on the ground and cover your head.
  • If you are close enough to see the flash of an explosion, the radioactivefallout will arrive in about 20 minutes. But fallout can also travel hundredsof miles, so take shelter and stay there until instructed by officials toleave.