Boston: Be Cautious – Be Vigilant
April 16, 2013
Though I am confident that the terror attack on Boston has ended, it would be wise to practice caution when utilizing bridges, tunnels, and public transportation over the next few days. There may be devices yet undiscovered which may be detonated either intentionally or by accident. Though unlikely, the attack may not be limited to the metropolitan area. Keep a sharp eye, and be sure to report any suspicious items and/or activities to the authorities immediately. The FBI is operating a Tip Line and will be eager to accept your information: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
To the People of Boston
April 15, 2013
Medical workers aid injured people at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon following an explosion in Boston, Monday, April 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
My deepest sympathies to the victims of today’s bombings. Though it is still too early to know who perpetrated this horrendous act of terror, I have great faith that they will be identified quickly and brought to justice. Many thanks to the Boston EMS, fire, and police departments for your outstanding response.
New Anti-Terrorism Textbook On The Way
July 1, 2012
Ebola Virus
Alex Gowen has entered into a cooperative effort with Dr. Michael Trush of John’s Hopkins School of Public Health to produce a new textbook entitled, A Public Health Perspective for Surviving Terrorism: Agents, Actions and Interventions. This book combines enhanced critical data for the first responder community with the broader spectrum of information required by the public health sector. The end result is a well-rounded CBRNE intelligence resource for a wider audience. Projected content includes CBRNE weapons and their effects, countermeasures and interventions, risk analysis and assessment, case studies, and a thorough investigation into agricultural, livestock, water and food terrorism. The expected completion date of this new endeavor is projected to be the summer of 2013. Updates will be posted as progress is made. Thank you for your interest!
Terrorism Updates Coming Soon!
March 29, 2012
Alex Gowen in Russia, 1992
First, I wish to apologize for not keeping my site as up-to-date as should be required of such a complex and critical issue as international terrorism. My focus remains on creating concise, informative handbook/textbooks for civilians and first responders in order to save lives. That being said, once my expanded ST edition containing data on agriculture, livestock, food, and water terrorism is complete I shall devote the time necessary to update this website and keep you well-informed on issues such as:
1) recent terrorist attacks/events
2) developments in CBRNE technology
3) new terrorist groups/cells
4) updates on existing terrorist groups/cells
5) new tactics, methods, and equipment being implemented by terrorist groups
It is my hope that I will begin posting the above information by September of 2012. Please keep and eye on my site and, as always, feel free to suggest any additions which you feel will benefit the first responder and counter-terrorism community. Thank you for your support.
Revised and Expanded “Surviving Terrorism: Recognition and Response Guide to CBRNE Attack” Now Available!
December 8, 2010
Surviving Terrorism: Recognition and Response Guide to CBRNE Attack is now available for individual and institutional purchase. Current formats: hard copy and PDF. By the end of December Surviving Terrorism will also be available in kindle and ebook format.
Surviving Terrorism has been revised and expanded to include information on radiological isotopes and explosives which may be used during a terrorist attack. Over 150 pages have been added to assist you and your officers identify suspicious substances in an emergency.
In addition to EMS, fire fighters, and law enforcement, Surviving Terrorism is also useful in the home, office, school, or any other large public structure in need of a comprehensive guide for rapid identification of chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive substances. For instance, the white powder you found in a school locker may not be cocaine – it may actually be an explosives component!
You may purchase Surviving Terrorism direct from the author via Paypal – trinity.oak@prodigy.net. Surviving Terrorism may also be purchased via ABE books (www.abebooks.com) and Gowen Militaria (www.gowenmilitaria.com). Check and money order purchases may be mailed to:
Alexander Gowen
3820-5 Colby Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609
United States of America
The price per copy is $29.95 plus 4.50 shipping and handling. Large purchases will receive a volume discount – be sure to contact me for details. International orders must contact me for shipping rates. Thank you for your patience during the extensive revision process!
Surviving Terrorism: Recognition and Response Guide to CBRNE Attack – Now Available!
October 1, 2010
My original Surviving Terrorism handbook has been revised and expanded to include new sections on:
- Radiological isotopes which may be used in a radiological dispersal device (RDD)
- Explosives
- Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), and large vehicle-borne explosive devices (LVBIEDs)
- Thermobarics (TBX) and fuel-air explosives (FAE)
Altogether, I have added 150 pages of new material to help both civilians and first responders identify and respond to CBRNE incidents. My handbook is a vital information resource for homes, schools, first responders, and any public or government office buildings in need of instant recognition of possible terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction.
Surviving Terrorism: Recognition and Response Guide to CBRNE Attack (ISBN: 978-0-578-07227-2) is available for purchase through the author: trinity.oak@prodigy.net. Credit card purchases may be made through Gowen Collectible Books on ABE Books (secure site): http://www.abebooks.com. Price per copy is $29.95 plus shipping and handling. Large orders will receive a discount (please inquire for details). Available formats: hard copy, eBook, Kindle, and PDF.
Reviews for Surviving Terrorism: Recognition and Response Guide to CBRNE Attack:
“Alex Gowen has put together an invaluable resource for first responders with, “SURVIVING TERRORISM; RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE GUIDE TO CBRNE ATTACK,” Revised Edition. Cops on the beat, SWAT teams, firemen, EMTs, and other such personnel will find this book highly informative and necessary to have as part of the department’s kit. Gowen describes specifics about chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives materials (CBRNE) – what they look like, where they come from, and the harm they cause. He also covers immediate courses of action to take regarding personal protection and initial consequence management. He relies on Federal and other technical sources for his information, and he formats most of it in easy-to-read charts and bullet points. No long essays here – this book is a tool for action. Gowen’s book is also a useful source to help formulate more in depth WMD crisis management plans.”
*These comments are personal opinions and do not represent the views of DoD and its components.
Jeff Moore, Asst Professor of the War and Conflict Studies Dept at National Defense University; Virginia DCJS Certified Personal Protection Specialist; and author of Spies for Nimitz.
SURVIVING TERRORISM: RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE GUIDE TO CBRNE ATTACK – Revised, Updated Edition. Revised edition, self-published, 2010. Printed edition is spiral bound, tabbed for easy field use, 361pp. eBook, Kindle, iBook or Nook editions must be ordered through appropriate online seller. To order bound, printed editions: check/MO to Alex Gowen, PO Box 17171, Raleigh, NC 27609; www.survivingterrorism.wordpress.com; Credit card orders via Gowen Militaria at www.gowenmilitaria.com Also available from ABE Books [www.abebooks.com]
In 2003, when we reviewed this spiral-bound, highly-recommended handbook on ways to survive CBRNE [CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, NUCLEAR AND EXPLOSIVE] events, it was judged an important addition to a home or office library. That recommendation has changed with this newly revised 2010 edition. As CBRNE grows in likelihood as terrorist threats increase, a copy of this revised guide is important to have at-the-ready – at home and the workplace – but best, by your side, when minutes count. So we recommend the Kindle, iBook or eBook edition. It is then available to use the emergency numbers [if phones are still working], or to consult the carefully outlined steps to remember “before,” “during,” or “after” an attack. Categories for each WMD substance includes: color, odor, onset of action; personal protection; signs and symptoms; Incubation period; how spread; how transmitted; duration of illness; death rate; how manufactured; where it is naturally found; mode of action; and treatment options. Includes much new material on wide variety of IEDs, viruses, and other new variants. While some of this material could be located on the Internet, the convenience and clean organization of having it all in one volume – again, preferably on your smartphone or close at-hand at the office or home library – makes this an important addition to law enforcement, first responder, and personal/family survival reference collections. And, after some WMD incidents, the internet (cellphones, modems, and other devices or networks) might be unavailable. That paper edition, or the eBook you have with you, could be a crucial life saver. [Mr.] Gowen is an AFIO Academic Associate member.
Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO)
“Mr Gowen’s comprehensive accumulation of intelligence should be a part of everyone’s post 9/11 library. This book is a concise, direct to-the-point collection of information and quite an eye opener to what is available and used by terrorists in the world today.”
Shawn Colwell, RN, CNOR
“Surviving Terrorism is an excellent source for the fire service. The plain and simple format in which it is presented makes this book user-friendly for field and on-scene applications. The information provided is to the point, including definitions and the main content.”
Chief Sidney Perry, Zebulon Fire Department, Zebulon, NC
“Alexander Gowen’s Surviving Terrorism is a significantly detailed and well-organized quick reference guide for the first responder to atypical emergencies involving biological, chemical or radiological incidents. Responders can very quickly locate specific information to help guide them to carry out their responsibilities in such emergencies.”
Bart Lineback, Emergency Medical Science Head, Wake Technical Community College, Health Sciences Campus, Raleigh, NC
Basic Information about Surviving Terrorism
June 17, 2008
What You Need to Know About Surviving Terrorism
Surviving Terrorism is a simple handbook developed for use by both civilians and first responders to rapidly identify and respond to threats involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons and explosives (CBRNE). It uses simple language so that anyone can understand what these weapons are, how they are used, what effects they have, and how you should respond when you suspect an attack or incident. The chapters are tabbed for quick and easy reference – a very important feature when every second counts. In fact, Surviving Terrorism has been adopted by EMS, fire, and police departments as well as hospitals because of the easy access to critical information during an emergency and the simplicity of its format. Surviving Terrorism can also be used as a textbook to teach CBRNE issues to first responders, public school officials, businesses, and any other organization in need of such vital information.
Surviving Terrorism is divided into two sections. The first section is designed for emergency use and contains quick reference charts as well as summaries on the signs and symptoms of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, and explosives. Also included in this section is a chart and summary showing the differences between radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) and nuclear weapons.
The second section of the book, for those who wish to learn more, provides expanded information on each of the major chemical and biological agents as well as radiological isotopes, RDDs, nuclear weapons, and explosives. There are also added chapters on improvised explosive devices including thermobarics, fuel-air bombs, and car bombs, and how to identify these devices. Other useful information includes:
- How to prepare for an attack
- How to stock a CBRN shelter
- How to recognize and handle suspicious mail or packages
- How to distinguish the difference between natural and intentional disease outbreaks
Although the information in the second section is not essential in order to effectively respond to a terrorist event, it is highly recommended that you read this section thoroughly in order to increase your chance of survival during an attack or incident.
I believe you will find Surviving Terrorism to be a concise and easy to understand manual that can help save your life should terrorism strike. It is my deepest hope, however, that you will never have to use my book. Please understand that Surviving Terrorism does not dispense any medical advice – it is meant to guide you through an emergency situation involving weapons of mass destruction and to get you to safety. Your greatest chance of surviving an attack is recognizing and responding quickly, an that is exactly what this book is designed to do.
About the original Surviving Terrorism: Recognition and Response Guide to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Attack
The original Surviving Terrorism is a handbook developed for the average person who knows nothing about chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) weapons. Its purpose is to provide enough information for civilians and first responders to recognize the signs and symptoms of the major biological and chemical agents, as well as the effects and dangers of radiological and nuclear weapons, and get them to safety. No medical information is dispensed.
Surviving Terrorism is very user-friendly. It is written using basic terms so that anyone can use this book – no complicated medical jargon to confuse you during an emergency. The sections are clearly marked and critical information quick to find. Everything about Surviving Terrorism has been developed for ease of use both before and during a terrorist attack involving weapons of mass destruction.
Surviving Terrorism is over 226 pages long and covers 36 major types of biological and chemical agents as well as radiological and nuclear weapons. There is also a chapter on SARS, which is not listed as a biological agents but are nevertheless a lingering health concern. I believe you will find Surviving Terrorism to be a concise and easy to understand resource that will help save many lives in the event of a terrorist strike.
* Since the release of the updated and expanded edition of Surviving Terrorism, the only available formats for the original handbook is PDF and a soft cover version published by Pinninti Publishers (copyright 2004, ISBN: 0-9703474-5-6, perfect binding), both of which are available through the author for $13.95 per copy (plus shipping if applicable). Though lacking the spiral binding and tabs which makes the new Surviving Terrorism an excellent tool for first responders in the field, the original soft cover edition is perfect for use at home and the office, as well as by the public education system, libraries, and any other large facility in need of a readily-available resource for rapid identification of CBRN weapons and their effects. Remember: the white powder you found in a locker during a security check may not be drugs! Having Surviving Terrorism at your side can prevent accidental exposure and keep you and the people under your care both safe and well-informed of the dangers presented by modern terrorism.
*Ordering information for the original Surviving Terrorism:
PDF: $13.95
Soft Cover: $13.95 plus $4.50 shipping
* Be sure to contact author for pricing and shipping for multiple copies
PayPal: trinity.oak@prodigy.net
Check or money order:
Alexander Gowen
P.O. Box 17171
Raleigh, NC 27619
United States of America
Surviving Terrorism: Professional Edition (for first responders and local authorities only and will include photos) – available in 2011!
The professional edition of Surviving Terrorism will explain in basic terms what chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive weapons are, how they are used, what effects they have, and how officers should respond when they suspect an attack. The chapters are tabbed for quick and easy reference – a very important feature when every second counts. The main difference between the earlier versions and the Professional Edition is that it will examine and summarize every chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive weapon available to terrorist organizations. Where possible, photographs will be added for additional ease of identification. The Professional Edition is designed more for use in the office rather than the field (it is already in excess of 600 pages) but will be available in PDF, eBook, and Kindle format so that vital information will be at your fingertips when it is most needed. Additional features of the Professional Edition include:
- Information on over 60 chemical weapons
- Information on over 110 biological weapons
- Information on over 40 agricultural and livestock bioweapons
- Information on food and water-borne diseases
- Information on over 10 radiological isotopes which may be used in a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD)
- Information on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) including thermobarics and fuel-air bombs, as well as how to visually detect such devices
- A special chapter on how to visually detect a portable nuclear device – information available nowhere else other than Surviving Terrorism
- Photographs of all of the above
- Available in PDF, eBook, and Kindle format
- Can be updated and is sold in 3-ring binder format in order to add information
Surviving Terrorism has been adopted by EMS, fire, and police departments as well as hospitals because it provides easy access to critical information during an emergency. It has also been lauded for the simplicity of its format.
Surviving Terrorism is divided into two sections. The first section is designed for emergency use and contains quick reference charts as well as summaries on the signs and symptoms of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, and explosives. Also included in this section is a chart and summary showing the differences between radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) and nuclear weapons.
The second section of the book, for those who wish to learn more, provides expanded information on each of the major chemical and biological agents as well as radiological isotopes, RDDs, nuclear weapons, and explosives. There are also added chapters on improvised explosive devices including thermobarics, fuel-air bombs, and car bombs, and how to identify these devices.
Surviving Terrorism can easily be used as a textbook to assist CBRNE educators. If additional information is required to teach a course, simply contact the author, Alexander Gowen, and place a request to provide an update. It is my hope to make Surviving Terrorism the most comprehensive information source available so as to ensure the survival of all first responders and the civilians under their care in the event of a terrorist attack using CBRNE weapons.
A Short History of Surviving Terrorism
My work on counter-terrorism began in 1998 when I started writing a medical handbook for EMS personnel after realizing the lack of training our first responders were receiving in regard to attacks involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. After 9/11 it became very apparent that the medical information available at the time was useless to civilians and first responders, and an immediate recognition and response guide to help people live through the first few second of a CBRN attack was needed. Thus, Surviving Terrorism was born.
Since 2001 I have completed three versions of the handbook: one for civilians, one for first responders, and a co-authored booklet with the help of Dr. Ada Fisher for mass distribution. A fourth version for exclusive use by governmental authorities called Surviving Terrorism: Professional Edition, will be available in 2011.
Surviving Terrorism has received a great deal of attention from the first responder community both here and overseas, despite the fact the book was originally created for civilian use. Thousands of copies have been sold with minimal marketing effort, largely due to the accuracy and format of the handbook as well as the ease of access to life-saving information in an emergency situation. Many publications have copied the format of Surviving Terrorism, but none are as user-friendly and as informative during an emergency than my handbook.
Since my work knows no national boundaries it can be useful to civilians and authorities of any nation faced with the threat of CBRNE attack. Surviving Terrorism is designed to be a living handbook that grows with new trends and developments in terrorism as well as in response to the comments and recommendation of first responders who have used the book. I enjoy dealing directly with EMS, fire, and police departments, as well as with hospitals in order to get to know the people who will be using my handbook. Direct dialogue with officers in the field makes it possible to mold Surviving Terrorism into the most useful handbook possible for first responders and those under their care.
A Short Biography of Alexander E. Gowen, Author of Surviving Terrorism
On the Shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Alexander E. Gowen, son of Professor Robert and Nobuko Gowen, was born in 1967 in Toledo, Ohio, and raised from the age of one in Greenville, NC. Shortly following his graduation he moved to Raleigh, NC, where he became actively involved in state and national political campaigns. He established the Aerocommerce International Corporation (AIC) in 1991 and made frequent visits to Eastern Europe and the Russian Federation throughout the early to mid ’90s. In the 1998 Alex Gowen began work on a medical handbook for first responders on chemical and biological warefare (CBW) casualty management, which eventually led to the creation of the Surviving Terrorism handbook series.
Alex Gowen’s credentials include an EMS certification with the state of North Carolina and has taken special civilian courses on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) casualty management with the Department of Energy and the United States Army. He is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and is the former director of the Anti-Slavery Task Force (ASTAF), a non-profit organization that investigated cases of modern slavery. He has undertaken numerous actions to supply medical and other humanitarian aid to the people of various nations including Standing Rock Indian Reservation, ND, where he and his brother, Richard Gowen, became adopted members of the Bravebull family and the Lakota tribe. Alex Gowen has also participated in the campaigns against nuclear proliferation and illegal sales of weapons systems overseas.
Alex Gowen now lives in Raleigh, NC, where he and his wife, Sarah Blocher, direct The Fishermen, a non-profit organization that provides medical supplies and basic medical training to orphanages around the world. The rest of his time is spent researching terrorism trends and CBRNE weapon systems, and how to make this information available to civilians and first responders around the globe in an on-going effort to help save lives.
Praise for the original Surviving Terrorism
“I appreciate the effort and simplicity you put into your Surviving Terrorism book. I consider it a good reference to refer to that presents the necessary information we as first responders need.”
Chief Sidney Perry
Zebulon Fire Department
“Surviving Terrorism is a very helpful reference. It clearly and immediately provides the information you need to respond to CBRN threats without extra material getting in the way.”
Officer TL Schultz
Durham Police Department
“I am grateful for your efforts to gather such important information in one book, and I wish you the best of luck in your efforts to publish it.”
Senator John Edwards
United States Senate
“…I appreciate Mr. Gowen’s thoroughness in cataloguing the nature, symptoms and personal protection measures of such a variety of chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD), as well as radiological and nuclear devices.”
Charles E. Biggs
Acting Director
Officer of National Preparedness
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
SURVIVING TERRORISM: RECOGNITION AND RESPONSE GUIDE TO NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL ATTACK, by Alexander E. Gowen [Self-published spiral bound paperback, no listed price or ISBN, pub. Date 4/2003.]
A compilation of State, Local, and Federal guidelines on recognition and modes of response to a variety of chemical, biological or nuclear agents. Categories for each substance includes: color, odor, onset of action; personal protection; signs and symptoms; Incubation period; how spread; how transmitted; duration of illness; death rate; how manufactured; where it is naturally found; mode of action; and treatment options. Includes brief chapter on how to stock and maintain a personal CBN shelter. While much of this material can be found on the internet, the convenience and clean organization of this small handbook make it a useful addition to law enforcement, first responder and personal reference collections. [Mr.] Gowen is an AFIO Academic Associate member.
Weekly Intelligence Notes 26-03 Dated 4 July 2003
Assoicate of Former Intelligence Officers
“I salute your efforts to make this information available to the average citizen at a time where the spectre of terrorism is constantly reinforced.”
Ted Smith
Commander
Island District Traffic Services
Royal Mounted Canadian Police
“I found your book, Surviving Terrorism Recognition and Response Guide to Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Attack, to be very helpful to me in my role as Infection Control Practitioner/ Emergency Management Coordinator at Halifax Regional Hospital. The book is written in a very concise, easy to understand manner and provides a lot of useful information that healthcare workers, especially those in the Emergency Department, can utilize. The events of 9/11 have made us all more aware of these types of attacks, and any information that can be easily and effortlessly obtained to help us care for patients in the event that these types of attacks do occur, is most greatly appreciated. Thank you for all of your hard work and research in this area!”
Sherri F. Bee, MSN RN
Manager Health and Education Services
Halifax Regional Hospital
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Surviving Terrorism: Recognition and Response Guide To CBRNE Attack 