# Presentation: 382749

## Citizen Corps

- Citizen Corps areas of emphasis:
- Crime
- Natural disasters
- Terrorism

## Unit Objectives

- Define terrorism.
- Identify potential targets in the community.
- Identify CERT operating procedures for a terrorist incident.
- Describe the actions to take following a suspected terrorist incident.

## What Is Terrorism?

- The unlawful use of force or violence committed by a group or individual against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
- --U.S. Department of Justice

## Terrorist Goals

- Mass causalities
- Loss of critical resources
- Disruption of vital services
- Disruption of the economy
- Individual and mass panic

## Terrorist Weapons

**B**iological
**N**uclear
**I**ncendiary
**C**hemical
**E**xplosive

## Biological Weapons

- Targets:  People, animals, crops
- Routes of exposure:  Inhalation, ingestion, absorption
- Agents:
- May take days or weeks to be confirmed.
- May spread far beyond initial contamination point.
- Considered high risk.

## Nuclear Weapons

- Much different than conventional weapons:
- Many casualties
- Very large area affected
- Long-term health effects
- Considered relatively low risk

## Radiation Dispersal Devices

- Conventional explosive with radioactive element
- Radiological materials readily available
- Considered moderate to high risk

## Incendiary Devices

- Used to initiate combustion
- Easy to make
- Easy to use
- Considered high risk/low impact

## Chemical Agents

- Five types
- Components readily available
- Onset of symptoms from immediate to 18 hours
- Considered moderate risk

## Conventional Explosives

- Terrorists “weapons of choice”
- Can be:
- Military munitions
- Improvised explosive devices
- Considered high risk

## What Is the Risk?

## B-NICE Indicators

- Environmental indicators:
- Sick or dead animals, fish, or birds
- Unscheduled spraying
- Vapor clouds or mists
- Absence of crops, wildlife, or insects

## B-NICE Indicators

- Environmental indicators:
- Out of place and unattended packages, boxes, or vehicles
- Packages that are leaking
- Unusual materials or equipment
- Small explosions that disperse liquids, mists, or gases
- Unusual odors or tastes

## B-NICE Indicators

- Physical indicators:
- Many casualties without signs of obvious trauma
- Victims who are exhibiting similar symptoms
- Large numbers seeking medical attention

## Preparing for Terrorism

- Assembling a disaster supply kit.
- Identify a safe room and meeting place outside of the home or workplace.
- Develop a family communication plan.
- Learn shelter-in-place procedures.

## Shelter-in-Place Procedures

- Shut off ventilation system.
- Go to safe room with disaster supply kit.
- Duct tape plastic sheeting over openings where outside air can come in.
- Seal with duct tape other areas where air can come in.
- Listen to battery-powered radio for all clear.

## CERT Guiding Principles

- Team safety is the number one priority.
- Always do a thorough sizeup.
- What are the dangers?
- What are team capabilities?
- What are team limitations?

## CERTs and Terrorist Incidents

- Do not touch it!
- Move away from the object or area.
- Report it to authorities.
**Caution!  Using cellular phones or two-way radios may detonate an explosive device!**

## Self-Care During Terrorist Incidents

- At the incident:
- Limit exposure time.
- Increase the distance from the hazard.
- Add shielding.

## Basic Decontamination Procedures

- Leave the contaminated area.
- Take decontamination action.
- Remove _everything_.
- Wash hands before using them to shower.
- Shower or flush with _cool_ water.
- Blot dry.
- Report for decontamination.

## Establishing Zones

## Terrorist Goals

- Mass casualties
- Loss of critical resources
- Disruption of vital services
- Disruption of the economy
- Individual and mass panic

## Terrorist Weapons

**B**iological
**N**uclear
**I**ncendiary
**C**hemical
**E**xplosive

## B-NICE

- Environmental indicators
- Physical indicators

## CERTs and Terrorist Incidents

**Treat possible terrorist incidents as a stop sign!**
- Do not touch.
- Move away.
- Report it.

## What to Do if Exposed

- Take action immediately.
- Leave the area immediately.
- Follow basic decontamination procedures.
- Report for decontamination.