Disaster Survival

Terrorism

The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next. And, unlike natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes, the fact that terrorist attacks come with no warning make them seem impossible to prepare for. However, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should an emergency arise. Taking action beforehand can reassure you and your family that you can have a level of control even in the face of such unexpected and horrific events.

What is the Best Way to Prepare?

First, evaluate the potential risks in your community, including the area around your house, children's schools and workplace. Once you have determined the possible emergencies your community may face, it is important that you discuss them with your family or household. Develop a disaster plan together, so everyone is comfortable with the necessary steps to take.

Create an emergency communications plan.
Choose an out-of-town contact your family can call or e-mail to check on each other should a disaster occur. Your contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact. Make sure every household member has that contact's, and each other's, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers. Your family should know that if telephones are not working, they need to be patient and try again later or try e-mail.

Establish a family meeting place.
Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may even want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency. Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are not permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them.

Create your family "Bug Out" Bag.
If you need to evacuate your home, having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable. Prepare a disaster "bug out" kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a backpack. Include first aid supplies, a change of clothing for each family member, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a flashlight, a battery powered radio and extra batteries, food and bottled water. It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents such as birth certificates and insurance paperwork in your kit.

If Disaster Strikes

  • Remain calm and be patient.
  • Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
  • Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
  • If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
  • If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
  • Shut off any other damaged utilities.
  • Confine or secure your pets.
  • Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

News Programs - Remember to take a break

Television footage of terrorism events and people's reaction to those events can be very upsetting, to both children and adults. Try not to let young children watch television news reports about such events, especially if the news reports show images repeatedly of the same incident. Children may not realize that it is repeated video footage, and think the event is happening again and again. Adults may also need to give themselves a break from watching disturbing footage. Instead, listening to local radio reports will provide you with the accurate information from responsible governmental authorities on what's happening and what actions you will need to take, without the upsetting images.