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

Domestic Attacks

World Trade Center (1993).

Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City (1995)

Atlanta Olympic Games (1996)

Family planning clinics in Atlanta (1996 and 1997)

World Trade Center and the Pentagon (2001)

Terrorist Goals

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

Terrorist Targets

Terrorist select “soft” or lightly protected targets over “hard” or very secure targets.

Terrorists may also be drawn to major events such as parades or athletic events. Because of this, you may see increased security measures to help deter and prevent terrorism.

Terrorist Targets

Terrorist Targets

Terrorism Exists Because. . . .

It is cheap It is mobile It is low tech It is deniable It is more effective

than the political process

It is less drastic than total warfare

And it WORKS!

Terrorist Weapons

Biological Nuclear ChemicalIncendiary Explosives

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.

Biological Weapons

Biological agents are in three groups, Toxins

• RicinBacteria

• Anthrax

Viruses

• Small Pox

Biological Weapons

Only 2 known successful etiological attacks in the USA; 751 persons were stricken with salmonella

in September 1984 due to intentional contamination of food at 10 restaurants in Wasco County, Oregon

The other attack was when British soldiers gave small pox exposed blankets to native American Indians.

Biological Weapons

Transmission of these Biological Weapons would most likely be accomplished by aerosol dissemination.

Biological Weapons

Symptoms don't show up for hours or days. Most are not person to person transmitted

except for Small Pox, Ebola Virus and Pneumonic Plague.

Position Uphill, Upwind. Respiratory and Protective Clothing.

Biological Weapons

Antidotes/First Aid =

Strip, Decon with soap and water Bag clothing

Most antidotes are ineffective.

NOTE: In specific situations, a 5% solution of bleach may be effective as a decon solution

Nuclear Weapons

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

Considered relatively low risk

Nuclear Weapons

Types of radiation:AlphaBetaGamma

Nuclear Weapons

AlphaLeast dangerous

externallyMore dangerous

internallyParticles are largeTravel only a few

feet

Nuclear Weapons

BetaSmaller

particlesSome

penetrationCauses more

skin damage

Nuclear Weapons

GammaMost dangerousCan penetrate into

and through the body

Nuclear Weapons

Radiation Devices Improvised nuclear device:

An actual nuclear weapon explosion (conventional bomb plus radioactive material).

Radiological dispersal device: Bomb laced with radioactive material or a

failed nuclear device.

Nuclear Weapons

HazardsRadiation SicknessRadiation InjuryRadiation Poisoning

Nuclear Weapons

Radiation Sickness Caused by exposure to large amounts of radiation.

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hemorrhage, and lowers

the body's resistance to disease and infection. Symptoms occur the day after the exposure and

may last a few days. Depending on the exposure, it may take seven to

eight weeks to recover.

Nuclear Weapons

Radiation injury: Consists of localized injuries such as skin burns,

skin lesions, and loss of hair caused by radiation. Occur from high amounts of the less penetrating

types of radiation like beta particles. Usually confined to the hands, since such large

amounts of exposure generally occur during improper handling of radiation sources.

Nuclear Weapons

Radiation poisoning: Caused by dangerous amounts of internal

radiation. Anemia and cancer. Internal exposure from alpha particles is

the most common cause of radiation poisoning.

Nuclear Weapons

Radiation sickness, injury, and poisoning are NOT contagious or infectious.

Treating or helping a victim who has been exposed to

radiation WILL NOT expose emergency response personnel to radiation.

If the victim is covered with radioactive material like dust, the material can contaminate responders and cause radiation sickness.

Incendiary Devices

Used to initiate combustion Easy to use Considered high risk/low

impact Easy to make

3 main parts• Igniter or fuse• Container or body• Incendiary material or

filler

Chemical Agents

Five types Blister Blood Choking Nerve Irritants (Riot – Control Agents)

Components readily available Onset of symptoms from immediate

to 18 hours Considered moderate risk

Blister Agents

First used in WW1, developed to get around gas masks.

Smells like garlic, sulfur or geraniums. Mustard (effect delayed) Nitrogen Mustard (effect delayed) Lewisite (effect immediate) All are heavier than air and can be absorbed

through skin, lungs, and eyes.

Blister Agents

Signs/symptoms of exposure; Reddening of eyes/gritty irritation, reddening of skin, severe

itching/burning of skin, blisters with/without pain, sore throat, hoarseness, dry cough /nausea /vomiting.

Signs/symptoms may not present until 2-24 hours after exposure.

Blister Agents are an immediate inhalation hazard, 30 minutes on the skin and most exposures will be fatal.

Eyes are the most vulnerable.

80% of decontamination will be accomplished by removing the clothing.

Blister Agents

Victims usually die from secondary infection.

In WWI 25% of all U. S. casualties were from blister agents. (70,000 casualties of 272,000 total casualties), however only 2% were fatal.

Blister Agents

Antidotes/First Aid = Immediately wash skin and clothes with 5%

solution of sodium hypochlorite or liquid household bleach within one minute.

Cut and remove contaminated clothing, flush contaminated skin area again with 5% sodium hypochlorite solution, then wash contaminated skin area with soap and water, (30 minute window on skin or Death).

Treatment by Medical Personnel.

Blood Agents

First used in WW1. Smell like Bitter Almonds. Hydrogen Cyanide (lighter than air) Cyanogen Chloride (heavier than air) Absorbed into the bloodstream and deprive

blood cells of oxygen. Exposure may be made through liquid or

vapor contact with any exposed skin, inhalation, or ingestion.

Blood Agent

Signs/symptoms Headaches Strong stimulated breathing Loss of consciousness / convulsions Apnea Reddish Skin and Lips. Quick gulp of air, DEATH in minutes. “Bluish” across the nose and cheeks and

around the mouth.

Blood Agent

If the poisoning occurs rapidly there is no time for symptoms to develop and exposed persons may then suddenly collapse and die.

Choking Agents

First used in WW1 Smells; Newly mowed hay, Pool chlorine. Phosgene- Frequently created accidentally at

home by combining bleach and ammonia. Chlorine, Currently used widely in water and

wastewater plants. Sulfur Dioxide- Currently used widely in

wastewater plants.

Choking Agents

Attack the lungs. Following exposure through inhalation, the

lungs fill with fluid, which prevents oxygen from being absorbed by, and carbon dioxide from being removed from, the blood.

Death results from lack of oxygen and is similar to drowning.

Choking Agents

Antidotes/First Aid = Treatment by Medical Personnel.

Nerve Agents

Developed in the 1930’s. G in name means it was designed in Germany.

Smells; G= Colorless but may be have fruity odor, Vx= Odorless, sulfur odor if impure and liquid is

slight yellow color. GA (Tabun) GB (Sarin) GD (Soman) VX (no name) (heavier than air and can be

absorbed through eyes /lungs /skin.)

Nerve Agents

Affect the central nervous system. Quickest acting Most lethal of all chemical agents, acting

within seconds of exposure. Victims of nerve agents experience

constricted pupils, runny nose, shortness of breath, convulsions, and cessation of breathing.

Nerve Agents

Signs/symptoms of exposure; Pinpoint pupils Runny nose/salivation Tightness of the chest Coughing, jerking, and twitching Difficulty breathing Nausea /vomiting /diarrhea Sudden loss of consciousness Convulsions / apnea.

Nerve Agent

Sarin (GB), Soman (GD) and Tabun (GA) have a 2-3 hour duration.

"VX" last days or weeks in an oily state, it is a persistent chemical.

Nerve Agent

Antidotes/First Aid = Auto injector, Hose down first except VX, Remove clothing then Decon.

(30 minute window on skin or Death). Treatment by Medical Personnel.

Death usually occurs within two minutes of receiving a lethal dose.

For VX decon with bleach solution. For GB decon with a caustic soda solution.

Riot – Control Agents

Lachrymators cause tears and eye pain.

Sternutators / Vomiting agents cause the victim to sneeze and / or vomit

Riot – control Agents

Cause respiratory distress and tearing

Designed to incapacitate rather than kill.

Riot-control agents cause intense pain, especially in the moist areas of the body.

Common riot-control agents include CS (also known as “tear” gas) Capsicum (also called pepper spray).

Riot – Control Agents

Signs/Symptom: Irritated eyes,

nose and throat.

Antidotes/First Aid: Flush with cold

water. Treatment by medical Doctor.

Mechanical Devices

Terrorists “weapons of choice”

Can be: Military munitions Improvised

explosive devices Consider Secondary

Devices Considered high risk

Mechanical Devices

Most successful terrorist tool. 70% of successful terrorism is through the

use of BOMBS. Incendiary devices are used in 25% of all

bombings. Explosions result in secondary hazards being

formed, including poisonous gases and/or oxygen depleted or enriched atmospheres.

Secondary Devices

Anticipate multiple devices targeted at the first responders. Manage the scene effectively: Establish exclusion zone of at least 1000’. Set up functions 2000’ to 4000’ uphill, upwind and behind protective cover. Provide for rapid evacuation. Searches should be conducted by qualified personnel.

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

Size - up 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 size-up.

Stop, look, listen, and think before taking any action. • What are the dangers?

• What are team capabilities?

• What are team limitations?

CERT Protocols

Terrorist incidents are a stop sign

Take in the whole area during the size-up

CERTs will be very limited in what they can do.

CERTs and Terrorist Incidents

Any of the indications of a terrorist incident, you should: 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. Move upwind and

uphill Rule of thumb

Add shielding.

Basic Decontamination Procedures

1. Leave the contaminated area.

2. Take decontamination action. Remove everything. Wash hands before using them to shower. Shower or flush with cool water. Blot dry.

3. Report for decontamination.

Decontamination Procedures

Establishing Zones

“Cold Zone”Safe Area

“Warm Zone”Evacuation & Decontamination Area

“Hot Zone”

Incident

Contaminated Area

Wind Direction

Helpful Hints

To Avoid Becoming A Terrorist Target

Travel and Terrorism

FOREIGN

Refer to State Department web sites

http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html

Obtain addresses and phone numbers for Embassies/Consulates in countries you visit

Travel

Copy travel documentsKeep separate

Give a copy to family or friend not traveling with you

Safe Orientation

Carry a map at all times

Know your location of “Safe Havens” (Police, Fire, EMS, Hospitals, etc)

Mark them on your map prior to embarking on your trip

Air Travel

Allow extra time at airports for security Always pack your

own bags Do not accept items

others ask you to pack

Limit time in ticket area by traveling off peak hours

Airports

Limit time in unsecured concourse areas i.e. Shopping or Eating

areas Report any suspicious

bag or package seen Move away from the

object, notify security Sit close to your assigned

gate away from windows

On The Aircraft

Request exit aisle seats or rear seats near aisle

Know where the exits are at all times

Taxis

Hail your own taxis Always request a

taxi or shuttle that maintains appropriate credentials

Use hotel for reliable transportation sources

Automobile travel

Rental car; keep gas tank as full as possible

Park facing out, in order to pull out not back out

Circle car prior to entry, look for suspicious activity in your car or near you

Autos

Keep the windows up and doors locked Travel on high traffic roads Be cautious of slow moving vehicles or

cars attempting to limit your movements

Driving

Check your rearview mirror frequently

If some is following you, proceed to one of the “Safe Havens” marked on your map

Vary the routes you travel

Hotel

Obtain a room between the Second and Sixth floor

Enter and exit hotels at varied times and using varied entrances and exits

Know emergency exits and routes

Hotel

Secure all personal documents in room safe or hotel safe

Keep ALL room keys with you at all times

Keep doors and windows locked at all times

Never open the door to unknown individuals

Personal

Wear nondescript clothing

Carry nondescript luggage Careful about tags

and stickers Avoid the appearance

of a tourist (carrying cameras, luggage, etc)

Personal

Carry all essential personal items with you at all times Passport w/visa,

Carry or put in hotel safe checkbook, credit cards,

cash, undesirable ID (military, religious, associations, etc.)

Carry a piece of hotel stationary with you for address and phone number

Public

When traveling with a group, stay together Designate one or more meeting points to

reunite When in a place of public assembly, position

yourself away from windows near exit

Public

Know where the closest exit or cover is at all times

Avoid restaurants and social places that cater to Americans

If attack occurs, hit the ground- DO NOT RUN ! Lie on your stomach with

your feet and knees together and soles facing the attack

THE END