NCJ Number
193953
Date Published
2002
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This guide provides suggestions for preparedness in citizen homes, communities, and public areas in the United States against terrorist attacks.
Abstract
Federal, State and local law enforcement and government agencies are working hard to prevent terrorism. Some things that citizens can do to prevent terrorism are: be alert in neighborhoods, communities, and workplaces; be on the lookout for suspicious activities; and report any talk about plans to harm citizens in violent attacks or claims of membership in a terrorist organization. For general emergency preparedness, it is important to make a list of important local numbers, and write down phone numbers and contact information for family. To get prepared, a neighborhood directory and plan should be made, including plans for children and seniors who may be along during emergency situations, and the house should be easy to find with a large and well lighted street address. An emergency preparedness kit should be organized and contain the following supplies: 1 gallon of water per person for 3-to-5 days; food that will not spoil and requires no cooking; a first-aid kit and needed medicines; emergency tools such as a battery-powered radio, cell phones, flashlights, and extra batteries; personal items such as toilet paper and plastic garbage bags; and a portable emergency generator if possible. An evacuation plan should be developed and practiced with the family. Individuals should learn the signs of suspicious mail, such as mail that is handwritten with no return address, lumpy in appearance, and sealed with excessive amounts of tape. Cyber safety and use of the Internet should be reviewed to protect the family. Parents should teach children how to contact them at work, their own address, how to dial 9-1-1, and to work with neighbors to find places that are safe for children and teens to go to in an emergency. In the workplace, the company's emergency plans should be known and practiced. Citizens should find out about community emergency plans, and make a plan to meet up with family members if an emergency happens while the family is separated.