NCJ Number
178747
Date Published
1998
Length
60 pages
Annotation
This manual is intended provide information and reference material to help city officials prepare to address the threat of domestic terrorism
Abstract
The introduction notes that at least 43 Federal agencies spend $7 billion per year on programs for domestic terrorism preparedness. Crucial to all these programs is the presence of local personnel at attack sites. It also notes that cities and town must have plans to deal with weapons of mass destruction and that the first 6-8 hours following a terrorist attack are the most crucial for public safety. Cities are advised to take advantage of all Justice and Defense Department training courses available to them; smaller cities should contact the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and inquire about available courses. They should also evaluate their cities' preparedness, decide which local agencies will be the first responders in the event of an attack, examine the medical supplies and emergency equipment, be aware of political debates on the topic, and coordinate regionally with other local jurisdictions. The manual describes the resources available to cities from the Department of Defense, FEMA, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Justice, and the White House. Glossary and lists of Internet sites and 10 reports and articles