TERRORISM

The federal government has been extremely successful in recent years with investigating and thwarting potential terrorist attacks in our country.  However, most experts and government officials acknowledge that it is just a matter of time before we are attacked again, on our soil.  The enemy is determined, ruthless and well-funded. 

The nature of terrorist attacks is that they are intended to stimulate fear and disruption in the lives of their targeted countries.  They know that they cannot defeat us militarily, so they concentrate on smaller attacks that are intended to change our way of life.  Terrorists would have us doubt our ability to defend ourselves from further attacks, disrupt our economy and infrastructure and live in fear. 

It is a well-known fact that there are many terrorist cells residing and operating in our country.  These cells are waiting and plotting the next series of attacks.  The U.S. government will continue to fight the war on terrorism, but we all have a responsibility to do our part.  Complacency is our own worst enemy.  As a nation, our best weapons against terrorist attacks are awareness and preparedness.

 Awareness:

As citizens, awareness is our most powerful tool to help prevent terrorist attacks. We must all become more observant and aware of what is happening in our neighborhoods, at work and the events that surround us.  In order to effectively battle terrorism on our soil, we must become a nation of watchers.  We should report suspicious activity to our local FBI field office or the police.  Here are some things to look for:

• Suspicious activities that could indicate that a terrorist cell is operating in your area.
• Conspicuous or unusual behavior.
• Unattended packages, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, etc. left in public areas including airports, sporting events, office buildings and any other place that people gather.
• Persons attempting to smuggle weapons and other dangerous items through airport and other security sections. Especially watch for high density plastic and chemical weapons that may not be detected by normal security screens.  Remember that the September 11^th terrorists used simple box cutters.
• Be aware of emergency exits and evacuation routes from buildings that you frequent. 

If you are a landlord:

If you own properties that you rent, such as houses, apartments, warehouse space, office space or storage units, you should watch for suspicious activities.  Pay particular attention for indicators such as.

• Cash paid for short term usage.
• Computers, fans and an abundance of pots, containers and cookware moved in but little personal possessions or furniture.
• Odd smells coming from the property.
• Odd traffic at unconventional hours.

Preparedness:

We are forced to acknowledge that the terrorists that attack our country have experienced a certain amount of success. There has been intolerable loss of life, wars and a loss of some of our civil liberties.  By preparing for the possibility of a terrorist attack, we reduce the effects of terrorism in general. 

• Prepare yourself mentally.  The passengers of flight 93, on September 11^th sent a powerful and unwanted message to terrorist’s organizations around the world.  We will not be a nation of victims!  We will fight back!  Their sacrifice saved countless lives and prevented an attack on our nation’s capital.  In fact, on September 11^th many Americans showed the world that we are a nation of heroes.  The terrorists may have succeeded at killing American citizens, but they failed miserably at breaking our spirit.
• Have plenty of supplies on hand. One well-orchestrated attack, or even a credible threat of an attack, on our nation’s infrastructure could result in mass shortages. The federal government may have no choice but to suspend transportation of people and freight for an undetermined length of time. This would cause a run on the supermarkets.  In most areas, supplies would run out in as little as one day, leaving many Americans without essential supplies.
• Be prepared to be without essential services such as electricity, water, telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, ATMs, cash registers and the internet.
• If your area is attacked, you may be forced to evacuate.  Have a preplanned evacuation route.  Also be sure to have an evacuation plan for your building.
• Have evacuation supplies ready.  Also, have your vehicle stocked with your emergency automotive supplies. Keep at least a half of a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.

Types of attacks:

Terrorist attacks can come in many forms.  Each may require a specific type of response on your part.  Expect to respond to:

• Explosions
• Biological Threats
• Chemical Threats
• Nuclear Blast
• Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD)
• Attack on the economy and/or infrastructure