VDEM Terrorism Information>>Introduction>>Response to terrorist threats

Terrorism Information: The Facts -
How to Prepare - How to Respond

Introduction to Terrorism

Response to terrorist threats
Q: What should I do if someone threatens a terrorist action?
A: If you receive a threat:

Get as much information from the caller as possible.
Keep the caller on the line and document everything that is said.
Notify the police and the building management.

After you've been notified of a threat:

Do not touch any suspicious packages.
Clear the area and notify the police immediately.
Avoid standing in front of windows or other potentially hazardous areas.
Do not block sidewalks or streets to be used by emergency officials.

Q: I've noticed suspicious activity at the house next door. Should I report what is going on?
A: Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities. If you suspect a crime is being, or is about to be committed, call 911. If the activity simply appears suspicious, call the police non-emergency number and be prepared to describe the activity in detail.

Q: What should I do if I see someone or something near my drinking water supply that looks suspicious?
A: Contact your local law enforcement authorities, or 911, to report a suspicious event, or if you witness a perceived terrorist activity. The more facts you can provide, the quicker the response time will be. Be prepared to provide detailed information.

Q: What should I do if I find a suspicious substance?
A: Follow these steps:

Don't touch the suspicious substance. Don't try to clean up a suspicious substance.
Alert anyone nearby about the substance.
Leave the room immediately and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
Remove contaminated clothing and seal in bags. Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces well with soap and water.
Report and seek assistance from local law enforcement or emergency medical personnel.

Q: What should I do if I receive suspicious mail?
A: Report any suspicious mail to local authorities and take the following precautions:

If you haven't touched the suspicious item:

Don't touch it. Alert others in the area.
Walk away from the envelope or package, leave the room, close the door and secure the area so no one can enter. Shut off the ventilation system if possible.
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces well with soap and water. Seek additional instructions and assistance for exposed or potentially exposed people.
If at work, notify a supervisor, security officer or law enforcement official. If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.
If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when the suspicious letter or package was recognized. Make a list of persons who may have handled the package or letter. Give the lists to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.

If you are holding the suspicious item:

Do not open it.
Don't shake or empty the contents. Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow others to examine it.
Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface. Do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents that may have spilled.
Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope.
Leave the room, close any doors and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
Remove and bag contaminated clothing. Wash your hands and exposed body surfaces well with soap and water. Seek additional instructions and assistance for exposed or potentially exposed people.
If at work, notify a supervisor, security officer or law enforcement official. If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency.
If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled the package or letter. Give the list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.

Medical response
Q: There has been an explosion of some kind. There are terrible injuries and no ambulance has arrived. What should I do? I don't know basic first aid.
A: Do not approach the scene or remain in the area unless advised to do so by your local authorities. Following an explosion there is always the possibility of a second device designed to injure or kill first responders or bystanders. In addition, you will not be able to determine whether biological, chemical or nuclear materials were used in the explosive device. If you enter the scene before authorities have determined it is safe and proper precautions have been taken you could become another victim.

You should:

Call for medical assistance.
Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.
When you are advised that it is safe to remain in the area, check victims for unconsciousness and life-threatening situations. Someone who has a life-threatening condition such as not breathing or severe bleeding requires immediate care by trained responders.
Seek medical assistance or ask if someone is trained in first aid procedure.
If trained help is not available and you provide assistance, remember to protect yourself while administering first aid.
Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids. If possible, use protective equipment, such as disposable gloves.
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care.

Basic first aid steps, recommended by the Red Cross:

Control bleeding
Cover the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound (direct pressure).
Elevate injured areas above the level of the heart, if you do not suspect that the victim has a broken bone.
Cover the dressing with a roller bandage.
If the bleeding does not stop apply additional dressings and bandages and using a pressure point squeeze the artery against the bone.
Care for shock:
- Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated.
- Elevate the legs about 12 inches (if broken bones are not suspected).
- Do not give food or drink to the victim.
Tend burns:
- Stop the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water.
- Cover the burn with dry, clean dressing or cloth.
Care for injuries to muscles, bones and joints:
- Rest the injured part.
- Avoid any movement or activity that causes pain.
- If you must move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try to immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving.
Administer CPR:
- If you have training, administer CPR to someone who stops breathing and has no pulse, or locate someone else who can administer CPR.

Citizen response
Q: What should I do if I'm in an area where a biological or chemical weapon is used?
A: Leave the area immediately, covering your mouth and nose with available material such as a napkin, cloth or newspaper.

Close the door or section off the contaminated area to prevent others from entering. If possible, turn off fans or ventilation units.
Remove contaminated clothing and place in sealed bags. Quickly rinse your eyes and exposed skin thoroughly with water.
Summon nearby emergency help.

Q: What should I do following a terrorist attack?
A: Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction. If you are in a safe area, do not leave that area unless advised to do so by local officials.

If an attack occurs near you:

Check for injuries. Seek medical assistance for seriously injured people.
Check for fires or hazards. Use flashlights, do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches.
Shut off damaged utilities. Sniff for gas leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. Clean up spilled household flammables and poisonous liquids.
Locate your emergency kit and keep it with you. Be sure that you have an adequate supply of water.
Put your emergency plan into action. Call your family contact. Don't use the phone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
Check on neighbors.
Confine or secure your pets.
Evacuate, if advised to do so. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes.

Q: If there's an explosion what should I do?
A: Following an explosion leave the area immediately if you can. In a building explosion locate the nearest emergency exit and get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.

If there is a fire:

Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth, stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
When approaching a closed door, use the back of your hand to feel the lower, middle and upper parts of the door. If it is not hot, brace yourself against the door and open it slowly. If it is hot to the touch, DO NOT open the door – seek an alternate escape route.
Stay below the smoke at all times. Smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling.

If you are trapped in debris:

If possible, search for an escape route. In some buildings, you may be able to break through wallboard or climb through a false ceiling to another unblocked room.
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort—shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Use a flashlight if needed. Do not turn light switches on or light a match.

If you are in the immediate area, yet not incapacitated by the explosion you should:

Seek medical assistance for seriously injured people.
Do not enter collapsed buildings. Do not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building unless you are trained to do so. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive
Check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fire, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks. 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.
Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction.

Q: Why won't the police let me check on my family and pets?
A: There may be a delayed explosion from a "secondary device." Terrorists use a variety of distraction techniques such as small explosions to attract attention and crowds. Once an audience of bystanders and emergency responders has assembled, a larger, more powerful explosion may be detonated. Stay clear of the immediate area where the detonation occurred.

Bombs or explosive materials that have not completely detonated are extremely dangerous. Fragmented pieces of sensitive material may be scattered throughout the incident site after an incomplete explosion. Any shock, impact or heating of the materials may cause the material to explode. Do not touch anything.

If other agents such as biological, radiological or chemical agents were part of the explosive device the scene may be contaminated. The scene should not be entered until appropriate monitoring is in place.

There will soon be numerous personnel at the site and the site will be handled as a crime scene. A crime scene is full of evidence, some of which is very small. Extra care should be taken to insure that evidence is not moved or destroyed.

Evacuation
Q: What does it mean to evacuate?
A: In an emergency, "to evacuate" means to leave, withdraw or depart from a place or area as a protective measure. Local, state or federal authorities may decide to evacuate an area for your protection when disaster threatens. When this decision is made they will issue an evacuation order. This order will tell you when you need to leave your home or area.

Listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio and television station when disaster threatens for detailed information and instruction.

It is important to listen carefully to all instructions.
Make sure the evacuation order applies to you.
Find out if you need to evacuate immediately or if you have time to pack some essentials.
Local government officials will designate evacuation assembly centers or other facilities offering the greatest level of public safety. The population will be instructed on where to go and the best routes to leave the area. Find out where you need to go and what route to take.
Listen to your EAS station while driving to a shelter for updated information and instruction.

Q: If I'm told to evacuate, what should I do?
A: If you are told to evacuate immediately:

Check on neighbors to make sure they have been notified, and offer help to those with disabilities or other special needs. If you need a ride, ask a neighbor. If no neighbor is available to help you, listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for further instructions.
Locate and keep your disaster supplies kit with you. (See also workplace disaster supplies kit.) Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes, hats, gloves and eyeglasses.
Use travel routes specified by local authorities – don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous.
Continue to listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction from local emergency officials.

You can do the following, only if you are sure you have extra time:

Call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive.
Provide for your pets. Pets are not permitted in public shelters.
Gather a change of clothing for each family member, personal items such as toothbrushes and eyeglasses, and items for your baby such as formula and diapers.
Shut off water and electricity before leaving, if instructed to do so. Leave natural gas service ON, unless local officials advise otherwise. Lock your doors and windows.

Q: Are there any special precautions I should take while driving to the shelter?
A: Yes, make sure that you:

Don't take shortcuts because a shortcut could put you in the path of danger. For your safety, follow the exact route you are told to take.
Take only one car to the evacuation site.
Close your car windows and air vents and turn off the heater or air conditioner.
Continue to listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for updated information and instruction.

Q: If a terrorist attack occurs during the day my children will most likely be in school. How will I be able to take care of them?
A: In an emergency, your children may be sheltered in place or evacuated from school. Do not go to the school. School personnel are trained to handle emergencies.

Do not call your child's school. You could tie up a phone line that is needed for emergency communications.
For further information, listen to your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station to learn when and where you can pick up your children.
Check with your children's schools prior to an emergency to see what protective plans they have in place.

Q: Are there any bomb shelters I can go to if there is an emergency?
A: There is no listing of bomb shelters or civil defense shelters in any community in Virginia. After 1970, most of the existing shelters were either closed or not replaced. There may be private shelters in office buildings, churches, schools or houses, but they are not listed. There are numerous guidelines available for building "safe rooms" traditionally used for protection against tornadoes and hurricanes. These plans are available on the FEMA web site at www.fema.gov/mit//saferoom. Some books on the subject were also printed in the 1980s by FEMA and there are a number of plans available from private businesses and nonprofit groups. These can be accessed on the Internet using a search engine of your choice.

Q: I don't know of any evacuation procedure set up for my area. How can I find out if we have one?
A: Check with your local emergency management office. (NOTE: Provide local emergency numbers if available).

Q: I'm in a wheelchair, I don't drive and I live alone. What should I do if we're told to evacuate?
A: Check with your local emergency management office to find out about special needs notification procedures. (NOTE: Provide local emergency numbers if available).

Sheltering in place
Q: What does "shelter in place" mean?
A: "Shelter in place" means to stay indoors – in homes, schools, businesses or public buildings during an emergency incident. Sheltering in place may be used when there is little time to react to an incident – where it would be more dangerous to be outside attempting to evacuate than to remain where you are.

Q: How will I know when to shelter in place?
A: In the event of a major emergency, local authorities will notify you if you are to shelter in place. They will notify you by one of several methods:

The order is usually announced over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station.
A siren could sound.
You may be called by telephone.
Emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker.
Officials could even come to your door.

Prior to an emergency, you can check with your local emergency manager to find out what notification system your locality will use to alert citizens to an emergency.

Q: What should I do when I'm instructed to shelter in place?
A: When local officials instruct you to shelter in place, you should do the following:

If you are indoors, stay inside.
If you are outdoors, go inside immediately. If there are contaminants, you can provide a minimal amount of protection by covering your mouth and nose with a cloth. If you have to gather up family members, protect your body as much as possible.
Bring pets inside, if you can safely do so.
Locate and keep your disaster kit with you. Make sure your radio is working.
Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
Go to an above ground room (not the basement, unless instructed to do so by local officials) with the fewest windows and doors. An interior room is the best. A bedroom with an adjoining bath is a good choice. Basement rooms should not be used during chemical emergencies. Basement rooms are the best choice during nuclear releases.
Wet towels and jam them in the cracks under doors.
Use duct tape to seal all cracks around doors, windows, exhaust fans or vents. (See the question below.)
Use plastic garbage bags to cover windows, outlets and heat registers.
If there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds or curtains. To avoid injury, stay away from the windows. Lie flat on the floor in a protected area and cover your eyes.
Stay in the room and listen to your local Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) radio or television station for information and instruction or until you are told all is safe.

Q: Should I use duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal my home?
A: Authorities may ask you to tape and seal an interior room with duct tape and plastic. These items should be included in your disaster supplies kit. You will not only need to seal the windows and doors but also the cracks and openings in the walls, floors and ceilings, light fixtures, fans, plumbing, electrical outlets, door handles and even locks. Also shut down all air-handling units.

Preparing a safe room is one positive step you can take to protect your family, but it is important to remember that sealing a room is only a temporary protective measure. You would have to seal the room as tightly as possible to prevent even small quantities of the chemical from seeping into the room. If the agent cannot cross the barrier, however, oxygen will not be able to penetrate it either. Be aware that you will run out of oxygen if you stay in a sealed room too long.

Coping emotionally after an attack
Q: Why was I emotionally affected by the recent terrorist event?
A: A traumatic experience produces emotional shock and may cause emotional problems.

Emotional effects are felt most strongly by those closest to tragic events such as victims, family members, friends, rescue workers, emergency medical and mental health care providers and eyewitnesses. However, sudden, unexpected tragedies can emotionally affect a wide range of people.

After a terrorist event of great magnitude, you may experience some of the same feelings that families of victims' experience. Fear and anger can also be heightened following a terrorist event because we often don't know who attacked us, why they attacked or why we do not always know how to respond.

Q: How can I be emotionally prepared to deal with a terrorist incident?
A: Nothing in life can prepare you for the horror of an act of terrorism that robs you of your sense of security and, in some instances, a loved one. No one ever expects such a thing to happen because violent crime is an abnormal event. Terrorism is even more rare. One cannot emotionally prepare for such an event.

Q: Are my reactions to the terrorist incident normal?
A: It is difficult to define normal or abnormal reactions to terrorist incidents. Each of us copes with a catastrophic incident in our own unique way. Normal reactions can include a wide range of powerful feelings that may feel abnormal to the person having them or seem strange to those who have not gone through such a disaster.

Some of your reactions could include:

Shock, numbness and confusion. You may also feel detachment – as if you are watching a movie or a bad dream that won't end.
Intense emotion – you may feel overpowered by sorrow and grief.
Fear – you may feel intense fear and startle easily or become anxious.
Guilt – Some people find it easier to accept what happened to loved-ones if they can blame themselves in some way.
Anger and resentment – You will naturally have anger for the perpetrators, but you may also have misdirected anger.
Depression and loneliness or feelings of isolation or abandonment.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, sleeplessness, loss of sexual feelings and weight gain or loss.
Panic.
Inability to resume normal activity.

Q: How long will it be before I feel normal again?
A: We cannot predict when your life will feel normal again following a catastrophic event. Grief and loss are normal and universal human reactions, and each of us copes with loss in our own way and in our own time.

Most people who directly experience a major trauma have severe problems immediately afterwards. Some people recover immediately and many people feel much better soon within a few months of the event. Others recover more slowly. Some do not recover without help.

Q: How will I know if I'm becoming suicidal?
A: If you feel overwhelmed by your emotions and think you may hurt yourself or others, immediately ask for support and guidance from family, friends, clergy or a professional counselor. For crisis counseling, contact the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) Victim Assistance Center at 1-800-331-0075, or your local medical provider.

Danger signals to watch for include:

Thinking about suicide often.
Being alone too much.
Not being able to talk to other people about what you are feeling.
Sudden changes in weight.
Continued trouble sleeping.
Using too much alcohol or other drugs, including prescription drugs.

Q: I don't want to hurt myself, but I feel overwhelmed. I think I need help. What should I do?
A: Take time to grieve and cry if you need to. Do not act like things are fine when they are not.

Healing begins by talking about what happened with people you trust.

Coping is easier when people support each other. Ask for support and help from your family, friends, church or other community resources. Join or develop support groups.

Some people find it helpful to talk with a professional counselor who has worked with other survivors. Talking with other victims of violent crime may also help you feel better understood and less alone.

Q: How can I find professional help or just someone to talk to?
A: To seek professional help, call your doctor or look in the phone book for listings under local mental health services or Department of Health Services. Health professionals will be listed under counseling, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, social and human services or mental health.

Q: Is there anything I can do to help myself heal emotionally?
A: There are some basic actions you can take that may help you cope:

Get back to your everyday routine. Familiar habits can be comforting.
Set small goals. Take one thing at a time, instead of trying to do everything at once.
Simplify your life. If possible, delay making major decisions.
Eat healthy food and take time to exercise or relax. Avoid using alcohol or drugs that temporarily block pain but prevent healing.
Make sure you get enough rest and sleep. When you are under stress you may need more sleep than usual.
Do something that feels good. Take a warm bath or a walk. Sit in the sun or pet your cat and dog. Think about the things that give you hope and make a list of those things to read on the very bad days.
Finding small ways to comfort others can ease your own suffering. Find something positive to do or someone to help.

Q: My family wasn't directly affected by the terrorist attack, but we're still having trouble coping. What can I do?
A: Acknowledge feelings of fear, anger and grief. Talk with others about the tragedy and your feelings. Resume normal routines as soon as possible.

Talk with your children and assure them that they are safe and protected. Limit television watching. Don't allow children to view the repetitive scenes of destruction over which they have no control.

Participate in community ceremonies. Draw strength from your spiritual or religious beliefs and traditions.

Contribute in some way to rescue work and rebuilding efforts through donations of time, money or other assistance to victims and their families.

Getting help and information
Q: If a terrorist incident happens in my neighborhood, whom do I call?
A: Listen to your Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station for the latest information.

Dial 911 or EMS numbers only for a life-threatening emergency.

Q: Will authorities let me know if terrorist weapons are used?
A: Yes, in the event of a public health emergency, local and state health departments will inform the public about the actions you need to take. As soon as the circumstances are understood, these officials will call news conferences to convey accurate information and instructions to the public. Additional news conferences will be called as frequently as possible to update the public. In a genuine disaster, the Emergency Broadcast System (EAS) would be employed to give instructions to citizens.

Q: How will I be notified if there is a terrorist action?
A: In the event of a major emergency, authorities will get your attention in at least one of several ways. There will be announcements over your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television stations, a siren could sound, you may be called by telephone, emergency personnel may drive by and give instructions over a loudspeaker or officials could come to your door.

Q: If I listen to the local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio or television station, what kind of information will be given about a terrorist attack?
A: Listen for information on:

The type of health hazard.
The area affected.
How to protect yourself.
Evacuation routes, if necessary.
Shelter locations.
Type and location of medical facilities.
Phone numbers to call if extra help is needed.

Q: Before we lost power, we were instructed to stay tuned to the local radio station. I don't have a battery-operated radio. How can I find out what's happening in my community?
A: Find a neighbor with a radio, check your car radio or telephone your emergency management office. Do not leave a safe area to find a radio or phone.

Q: Is there a radio or television station in my area that will keep me updated during a disaster?
A: Please wait a moment while I look it up for you. (NOTE: Check list of local Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcast stations, if available.)

Q: How will I know if I shouldn't drink my water?
A: Your water supplier is required by law to notify you if your water doesn't meet EPA or state standards or if there is a waterborne disease emergency. They will notify you by newspaper, mail, radio, TV or hand delivery.

The notice will describe any precautions you need to take, such as boiling your water.
If there is an attack on a local water system, the drinking water utility will activate its emergency response plan with local law enforcement and state emergency officials. These plans provide for shutting down the system, notifying the public of emergency steps to take and an alternative source of water, if needed.