Assume the Worst – Be Prepared

New York Attack 9/11

During a terrorist incident such as the one we just endured in Boston, MA, you must always assume that the event is on-going.  Once an attack begins, evacuate the area as quickly as possible.  Help guide confused civilians away from the scene as you proceed to a safety.  If you are alone and have first aid experience, provide medical assistance to injured individuals until a medical team arrives.  Once you have evacuated the incident area, do not assume that you are safe.  The attack may focus on other targets.  Avoid mass-transit systems such as subways, buses, and trains.  If you are able to access your car, avoid bridges and tunnels.

Other cities may experience simultaneous events just as we did on 9/11.  The attacks will most likely utilize the same weapon/s, so be prepared.  If you live in a major metropolitan area it would be wise to evacuate high-capacity buildings including athletic arenas and other crowded areas.  Get home as quickly as possible and plan to stay in place until it is certain that the event is over.

Remember, the best way to survive a terrorist attack is to be prepared:

1. Learn how to identify potential targets.
2. Study CBRNE weapons and memorize their appearance as well as any signs and symptoms.
3. Plan primary, secondary, and tertiary escape routes for you and your family/friends.
4. Give your children identification cards to show to authorities should they get separated.
5. Determine a point of assembly for your family/friends should an attack occur.
6. If an attack involves chemical, biological, or radioactive weapons, button and/or zip up clothes, cover your mouth with a cloth, and leave the scene immediately.  Follow signs or instructions to the nearest decontamination facility.  Remember, everything you are wearing will be confiscated due to contamination, so it might be good practice to leave anything of value at home when going to high-risk areas.  If there are no decontamination facilities, go home and immediately discard all items you wore into a garbage bag and seal completely.  This includes eye wear, jewelry, etc, as they may be contaminated.
7. If you have any information about the event, be sure to share your knowledge with the authorities – your assistance may help save lives.