Terrorism is the use of force or violence against people or property in violation of the criminal laws of the U.S. for purposes of intimidation, coercion or ransom.

Terrorism Facts:
Terrorists often use threats to create fear among the public, to convince citizens that their government is unable to protect them, and to get immediate publicity for their causes.

Acts of terrorism include:
  • Threats of terrorism
  • Assassinations
  • Kidnappings
  • Hijackings
  • Bombs or explosive devices
    • Explosive devices are one of the most common weapons for terrorists to use because:
      • Terrorists do not have to look far to find out how to make bombs; the information is readily available in books and on the Internet.
      • Explosive devices can be highly portable, using humans or vehicles as a means of transport.
      • Bombs are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers.
  • Cyberattacks
    • Terrorists may attack the vast array of computer-based networks we all use to communicate and travel, power our homes and run our economy. Cyberattacks can be used to expose sensitive personal and business information and to disrupt critical operations. Unlike physical threats that prompt immediate action - like stop, drop, and roll in the event of a fire - cyber threats are often difficult to identify and comprehend. Among these dangers are:
      • Viruses erasing entire systems.
      • Intruders breaking into systems and altering files.
      • Intruders using your computer or device to attack others.
      • Intruders stealing confidential information.
    • The spectrum of cyber risks is limitless; threats, some more serious and sophisticated than others, can have wide-ranging effects on the individual, community, organizational and national levels.
  • Chemical threats
    • Chemical agents are poisonous vapors, aerosols, liquids and solids that have toxic effects on people, animals or plants. They an be released by bombs or sprayed from aircraft, boats and vehicles. Some chemical agents may be odorless and tasteless. They can have an immediate effect (a few seconds to a few minutes) or a delayed effect (2 to 48 hours).
  • Biological threats
    • Biological agents are organisms or toxins that can kill or incapacitate people, livestock and crops. The three basic groups of biological agents that would likely be used as weapons are bacteria, viruses and toxins. Biological agents can be dispersed by spraying them into the air, by infecting animals that carry the disease to humans or by contaminating food and water. A biological attack may not be immediately obvious and may become apparent only after local health care workers report a pattern of unusual symptoms or illness.
  • RDDs (Radiologcal Dispersion Device)
    • Terrorist use of an RDD (often called dirty nuke or dirty bomb) is considered far more likely than the use of a nuclear explosive device. An RDD combines a conventional explosive device (such as a bomb) with radioactive material. It is designed to scatter dangerous and sublethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. Depending on how fas the area of the RDD detonation was evacuated or how successful people were at sheltering-in-place, the number of deaths, and injuries from an RDD might not be substantially greater than from a conventional bomb explosion.
      • Shelter-in-place
        • When instructed to shelter-in-place, take the following steps:
          • Immediately go indoors.
          • Close and lock all doors and windows. Locking all doors and windows will general ensure that they are shut tight.
          • Close the drapes, blinds and window shades.
          • Depending on the nature of the emergency, deploy window and door protection; or seal windows, doors and vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
          • Go to a room in the center of your home with the fewest windows and doors.
          • If possible, have a landline phone in the room with you. Cell phone networks may be overwhelmed during an emergency.
          • Don't call your fire or police departments for information. Emergency workers will need their lines for emergency use.
          • Keep your pets indoors.
          • Continue to listen to a battery-powered radio for official updates and instructions.
          • Stay inside until officials say otherwise.
  • Nuclear blasts
    • A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light and heat, a damaging pressure wave and widespread radioactive material that can contaminate the air, water and ground surfaces for miles around. A nuclear device can range from a weapon carried by an intercontinental missile to a small, portable nuclear device transported by an individual.
High-risk targets for acts of terrorism include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities and corporate centers.

KNOW THE HAZARDS
Past terrorist events show that the following is possible after an attack:
  • There can be significant numbers of casualties and/or damage to buildings and to infrastructure.
  • Heavy involvement of local, state and Federal law enforcement follows a terrorist attack due to the event's criminal nature.
  • Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to their limits, maybe even overwhelmed.
  • Extensive media coverage, strong public fear and international implications and consequences can continue for a prolonged period.
  • Workplaces and schools may be closed, and domestic and international travel may be restricted.
  • You and your family or household may have to evacuate an area, avoiding roads blocked for your safety.
  • Cleanup may take many months.
SUICIDE BOMBERS
Suicide bomb attacks are a commonly used tactic in other parts of the world. Although the U.S. has not experienced this kind of threat, you must consider that suicide bombing could be used in the future. Be suspicious of ALERT signs.
A - Alone and nervous
L - Loose/bulky clothing not compatible with weather
E - Exposed wires
R - Rigid midsection (caused by explosive belt/harness)
T - Tightly clenched hands (may hold detonation device)
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