Terrorism and CERT

TERRORISM

CERT teams can play a helpful role in a terrorist incident

However, the CERT role may be less direct and more in a support role

Terrorist incidents are challenging and require professional first responders

Terrorism Goals:

Multiple casualties/fatalities

Loss of critical resources

Disruption of vital services

Disruption of Economy

Anxiety/Panic

Domestic & Foreign Terrorists

9/11 – Foreign terroristsOklahoma City – domestic extremistsOn Campuses

Animal Rights – recent UCLA incidents

Individual active shooters

Possible Targets of Terrorism :

Symbolic and historical targets Assembly areas Infrastructure systems such as public safety,

transportation, or communications Institutions of higher learning (considered

“soft targets”) Chemical and agriculture storage areas Hospitals

B-NICECategories of possible terrorist weapons:

BiologicalNuclearIncendiaryChemicalExplosive

Biological Weapons

anthrax

tularemia

pneumonic plague

botulism

smallpox

Sudden epidemic - Large number seeking medical attention with symptoms uncharacteristic for season

Indicators of Bio Agents

Routes of Exposure forBiological Agents

Inhalation

Ingestion

Skin absorption/contact

Nuclear Weapons

Nuclear bomb

Dirty bomb

Least likely type of incident due to difficulty

Fits in a Suitcase?

Incendiary Incidents

An incendiary is any mechanical, electrical, or chemical device used to start a fire.

Chemical Agents

Inhalation

Ingestion

Skin absorption/contact

Nerve Agents Sarin - colorless to brown liquid

Others - colorless Odor - Sarin none

Others – sweet/fruity Symptoms

Miosis Runny nose Localized sweating Muscle spasms/contractions Nausea/vomiting Confusion or drowsiness Death

Choking Agents Phosgene - colorless gas

Diphosgene - colorless liquid Odor

New mown hay, Freshly cut grass, Green corn

Choking Agent Symptoms Irritation of eyes & respiratory tract Tightness in chest Nausea/vomiting Headache Death may result within 24 hours

Blood Agents Cyanide – colorless gas/liquid

Arsine – colorless gas Odor

Cyanide – bitter almonds Arsine – garlic

Symptoms Changes in breathing rate Headache, Giddiness Convulsions, Shallow breathing Unconsciousness Changes in lip & skin color Death

Blister Agents

Physical state Mustard - colorless to pale yellow liquid Lewisite - colorless to brownish liquid

Odor Mustard - garlic or horseradish Lewisite – geraniums

Affects skin like severe burns

Explosive IncidentsExplosive: any substance or article, including a device,

designed to function by explosion

ANOTHER DEFINITION:

Anything that can go BOOM!

Explosives make up 90% of all attacksOnly 4% preceded by warning

Explosive Incidents

Primary and Secondary Dangers

Initial explosion may be followed by secondary explosions

If you observe an object that is out of place or does not seem right:

Do not touch it Move away from the object Report it to authorities

CAUTION: A CELL PHONE OR RADIO MAY DETONATE AN INCENDIARY OR

EXPLOSIVE DEVICE.

Basic Decontamination ProceduresIf you believe that you have chemicals on your skin or clothing, then: Take action immediately—time is critical. Leave enclosed area. Remove everything on your body

cut off clothes normally removed over head remove jewelry and wigs

Wash hands before using them to shower

Shower or flush your body with water

Blot yourself with absorbent cloth to dry

Put on clean clothes and maintain body temperature

Go to decontamination station set-up by responders

ACTIVECAMPUS

SHOOTER

Perhaps the most likely form of terrorism on a

college campus.

If you receive warning of a shooter on campus:

TAKE SHELTER• Close and lock doors and windows• Turn off lights and close window blinds/curtains• Stay away from windows• Remain inside until all clear by campus officials

Sign up for TrojansAlert emergency warning system at https://trojansalert.usc.edu

Campus Shooter Procedures

• Close and lock or barricade doors • Turn off lights and close window

blinds/curtains• Silence cell phones, pagers, computers• Call DPS at 213-740-4321 to report

incident• Remain quiet. • Do not answer the door.• Follow directions of law enforcement when

they arrive

If you hear shots fired in your building:

There is no standard procedure the authorities recommend in this situation.

Assess the specific situation and take the best course of action to ensure your and others’ safety. • Remain passive?• Run/flee?• Fight?

If the shooter enters your area:

Handling of Troubled Students & Employees Violence prevention is the best approach

University has established protocols for identifying, monitoring, and helping disturbed students

PROBLEM: Most students do not report concerns