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Terrorism

Terrorism has been defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as "the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government; the civilian population; or any segment of it, in furtherance of political or social objectives."  More importantly, it is necessary to understand that the objective of terrorism is not destruction or death - it is the psychological impact to the targeted population and the resulting upset in the balance of world opinion. Disruption to public services, economies, and social patterns, or instigating a feeling of insecurity is the desired goal. 

Terrorism can be categorized as either domestic or international:

  • Domestic terrorism incidents are acts conceived of and carried out by U.S. citizens within U.S. borders. Examples of domestic terrorism include activities by environmental groups like the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), groups opposing abortion, animal rights groups opposing the fur trade, or the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

  • International Terrorism originates from groups based outside the U.S.A. and may be perpetrated against U.S. interests abroad or within the territorial boundaries of the United States. Examples of international terrorist organizations include Al Qaeda and other sympathizer groups.

Terrorist targets tend to be located in urban areas known for high-value targets like seats of government, stadiums and public meeting places that if attacked, would likely produce substantial news coverage. Terrorist attacks can come in many forms and may involve bombings, hijackings, assignations, kidnappings, cyber attacks (computer based) and the use of explosives, chemicals, biological agents, and nuclear and radiological weapons.

Terrorism breeds fear, frightens our families, and creates instability in our community. Many Americans don't understand vague directives from officials advising us to be "more vigilant" in our awareness of suspicious activity, and wonder what they can do to help themselves and their community. This is especially difficult when acts of terrorism foster a feeling of insecurity, helplessness, and most importantly, a feeling that you can't prepare for the possibility of a terrorist act. But you can do something about terrorism - Be Aware and Prepare!

The devastation which occurred at the World Trade Center and the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City points to the need to plan for potential threats within our own communities. King County, along with many other public and private agencies, are working together to better prepare for and prevent terrorism in our region. We want to help keep you and your family feeling and being safe in these uncertain times. You can also do something to thwart a terrorist. be informed and be prepared. Follow our preparedness steps and check out our links to find out what you can do:

Alfred P. Murrah Building - Bombing on April 19, 1995

Hazard-specific Preparedness Steps

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something doesn't seem right.

  2. Be observant and report suspicious activity to authorities. If you see what appears to be a dangerous situation, call 9-1-1 and explain your concerns to the call taker. The call-taker will help determine what actions should be taken.

  3. Take precautions when traveling. Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers. Do not leave your luggage unattended. You should promptly report suspicious behavior, unattended luggage or packages, and strange devices to police or security personnel.

  4. Wherever you are, learn where the emergency exits are located, and how to quickly get out of a building, transportation corridor, or congested public area. Be familiar with secondary exiting systems, as primary exits may become clogged or blocked.

  5. Be prepared to evacuate with your emergency supplies kit or shelter-in-place in your home.

  6. Prepare for a building explosion:

    • Watch for suspicious packages.
    • Know the emergency evacuation procedures that are in place for the business or building.
    • Know where fire exits are located and be able to find them in the dark.
    • Learn where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
    • Know where disaster supplies are located.
    • Work with building owners to ensure the following items are located on each floor of the building: portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries, flashlights and extra batteries, first aid kit and manual, hard hats, dust masks, and fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.

  7. Prepare for "radiological" and "hazardous materials" events.

  8. See General Preparedness Steps below for more disaster planning basics.

Response Steps

  1. Listen to your weather radio and local radio/TV stations for current information. 

  2. Try to remain calm and be patient.

  3. Do not call 9-1-1 unless you have a life-threatening emergency.

  4. Follow the advice of local emergency officials. If advised to evacuate or shelter-in-place, do so immediately. 

  5. If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.

  6. If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. Shut off damaged utilities.

  7. Confine or secure your pets.

If you Receive a Bomb Threat:

  1. Get as much information from the caller as possible.

  2. Keep the caller on the line and record everything being said.

  3. Notify the police and the building management.

If an Explosion Occurs:

  1. Immediately get under a sturdy table or desk if things are falling around you. When they stop falling, leave quickly, watching for obviously weakened floors and stairways. As you exit the building, watch for falling debris.

  2. Heavy smoke and poisonous gases collect first along the ceiling. Stay below the smoke at all times.

  3. Leave the building as quickly as possible. Do not stop to retrieve personal possessions or make phone calls.

  4. Once you are out, stand away from windows, glass doors and other potentially hazardous areas. Move away from sidewalks or streets that are to be used by emergency workers and others still exiting the building.

If You're Trapped in Debris:

  1. If you have a flashlight, use it to signal to rescuers.

  2. Avoid unnecessary movement and stay in your area so you don't kick up dust.

  3. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

  4. Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. If possible, use a whistle. Shout as a last resort - shouting can cause a person to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

If There's a Fire:

  1. Stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.

  2. Test closed doors for heat with your hand before opening. If the door is not hot, brace your body against the door and open slightly to check for fire or smoke. If the door is hot, seek an alternate escape route.

  3. If you cannot escape, put as many barriers and space between you and the fire as possible.

  4. If you have access to a phone, call 9-1-1 and report your location.

If Biological Agents are Involved:

  1. If you become aware of an unusual and suspicious substance nearby:
    • Move away quickly.
    • Wash with soap and water.
    • Contact authorities.
    • Monitor your NOAA Weather Radio and listen to the media for official instructions.
    • Seek medical attention if you become sick.

  2. If you are exposed to a biological agent:
    • Remove and bag your clothes and personal items. Follow official instructions for disposal.
    • Wash yourself with soap and water and put on clean clothes.
    • Seek medical assistance. You may be advised to stay away from others or be quarantined.

Other Types of Events:

  1. If  "chemicals" are involved see the Hazardous Materials section. 

  2. If the attack involves a "nuclear blast" or a "radiological dispersion device (RDD)" see the Radiation section.

General Preparedness Steps

  1. Have and practice a family disaster plan.

  2. Establish meeting places and phone numbers in case family members are separated.

  3. Identify an out-of-state contact to call during a major disaster or emergency; it will be easier to call out of the area if local lines are tied up.

  4. Make sure everyone knows when and how to call 9-1-1.

  5. Keep your disaster supply kits up to date. Make sure you have kits for your home, vehicle, work and school.

  6. Get a tone-alert NOAA Weather Radio to receive emergency notifications and up-to-date information and instructions.

  7. Teach all family members when, where and how to turn off utilities. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, such as a wrench, handy.

  8. Make sure you understand the emergency plans and expectations at your child's school and your work.

  9. Preplan alternate transportation routes to and from work and other important destinations.

  10. Be sure to keep at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle at all times; power outages often accompany disasters and gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.

  11. Know ahead of time what you should do to help family, friends or neighbors who are elderly or have special needs.

See "related links" for more details on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from this type of a disaster or emergency.

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  Updated: April 21, 2008