| p polls from 2007 show that 30% of Americans | | | | is pretty daunting. Though it might be frightening, |
| are somewhat afraid of being harmed in a | | | | the first step is to think seriously and rationally |
| terrorist attack and 10% are very afraid. These | | | | about what to do in these situations. There is no |
| statistics show that many in the United States | | | | need to overreact about the possibility of an |
| are afraid of the very real threat of terrorist | | | | attack. In fact, more fatalities occur each day |
| attack. Though one might feel helpless in a | | | | from car accidents and medical malpractice than |
| situation such as this, preparation can be the best | | | | are attributed each year to terrorism. In a year, |
| way to abandon fear and deal with the situation | | | | more die from animal attack and falling down |
| practically. | | | | stairs. Careful planning can even further diminish |
| Gathering supplies and knowing basic survival skills | | | | the chances of being hurt. |
| can prepare families for an attack on U.S. soil | | | | Preparing for Radiation Exposure |
| from a dirty bomb or other weapon. Making plans | | | | There are very few ways to counteract radiation. |
| not only gives piece of mind, but also can increase | | | | A dirty bomb will most likely spread radioactive |
| the chances of surviving such an attack. | | | | dust, so those who were outside at the time of |
| What is a Dirty Bomb? | | | | the explosion should shower thoroughly and seal |
| The term dirty bomb can refer to any explosive | | | | their clothes in a bag. Stay inside and secure pets. |
| device that is meant to spread harmful materials | | | | Await further instructions before going back |
| in addition to creating a destructive explosion. | | | | outside or traveling. There will most likely be an |
| Usually, the term is meant to refer to a | | | | official containment and decontamination |
| radiological dispersal device. This means that the | | | | procedure. |
| bomb spreads radioactive material meant to harm | | | | General Preparedness |
| those in the area not affected by the explosion | | | | The rules for preparing for an attack are similar |
| with radiation poisoning. It is not an atomic bomb. | | | | to those for storms or other emergency |
| Though this may sound very frightening, most | | | | situations. There should be plenty of |
| studies show that these bombs are unlikely to be | | | | non-perishable food items and water on hand in |
| fatal to those who are contaminated. Even those | | | | case it is not safe to travel for a few days. In |
| who are exposed to the levels of radiation spread | | | | case some catastrophic event knocks out power, |
| by the bomb for more than a year without | | | | keep plenty of batteries, flashlights, a |
| treatment would not be killed by the dose. For | | | | battery-operated radio, and candles in the |
| this reason, dirty bombs are not a "weapon of | | | | preparedness kit. Make sure to also include a |
| mass destruction." Although, they may have a | | | | hand-operated can opener on the supplies. Other |
| significant mental effect on the general population, | | | | useful items include changes of clothes, a first aid |
| because in the event of a detonation, it is likely | | | | kit, paper towels, and toilet tissue. |
| that many thousands of people would have to be | | | | The most important part of the emergency plan |
| detained. | | | | is sharing it with family and friends. Most schools |
| What are Unconventional Weapons? | | | | have their own emergency plans parents can go |
| By definition, unconventional weapons are any | | | | over with their children. All family members should |
| weapons that are not used in regular warfare. | | | | meet at the family home and agree upon a |
| Officials in the United States government have | | | | secondary meeting location. Craft a plan so that |
| some guesses on the types of unconventional | | | | family members can find one another without the |
| weapons terrorists may use to attack the | | | | use of phones or other communication. The |
| American public. | | | | phone lines will be needed by those trying to |
| The most common of these are all too familiar to | | | | contact emergency services, so it is best try to |
| those who have been watching reports from Iraq. | | | | avoid making calls. |
| An IED or "improvised explosive device" is an | | | | After the attack, tune into the news on the |
| explosive filled with all manner of scrap metal that | | | | television or radio and await instruction. There are |
| acts as shrapnel. | | | | emergency radio frequencies that the |
| Those weapons used to spread of promote | | | | government will use in the case of emergency. |
| bioterrorism by infecting large groups of the | | | | The best thing to do while planning for a disaster |
| population with disease are another example of | | | | or when faced with one is to remain calm and |
| weapons that are not used by national militaries. | | | | think rationally. Check lists can be used to |
| Staying Calm | | | | double-check supplies and keep one occupied. |
| The notion of dealing with these types of attacks | | | | |