| Terrorism only involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the United States. | View Page |
| Terrorism Defined The United States Code, Title 22, Chapter 38, Section 2656f(d)(2) defines terrorism as: “Premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents.” Terrorism, then, is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists use threats to create fear among the public in an effort to convince them that their government is powerless to stop acts of terrorism. It is also a way for the terrorists to get publicity for their causes. | View Page |
| What Constitutes Terrorism? Acts of terrorism can be anything from simply threats to assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, bombings and bomb scares, attacks on our computer systems (called cyber-attacks), and the use of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons. | View Page |
| Terrorism Targets Targets the terrorists might use include high-profile landmarks, airports, plus civilian and military government facilities. They might also target large public gatherings such as bowl games, our water and food supplies, even public utilities. In addition, the terrorists may attempt to spread fear by sending explosives, chemical or biological agents through the mail. | View Page |
| Types of Terrorism The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) categorizes terrorism in the United States as one of two types -- domestic terrorism or international terrorism. Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are directed at elements of our government or population without foreign direction.International terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based and/or directed by countries or groups outside the United States or whose activities transcend national boundaries. | View Page |
| Recognizing Biological Agents as WMDs Potential biological and chemical agents that might be used as weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are numerous, and preparing the nation to address these dangers is a major challenge. Early detection of and swift response to biological and chemical terrorism is crucial. This requires increased biological and chemical awareness by front-line health-care providers because they are in the best position to report suspicious illnesses. | View Page |
| Laboratory Response The broad base of clinical laboratories in this country is an essential component of our nation’s public health and healthcare system and is an essential link in addressing biological and chemical terrorism. In 1999 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated the concept of a Laboratory Response Network (LRN). The LRN is a network of local, state, federal, and military laboratories across the United States and internationally which work together in an integrated and coordinated way for a rapid response to public health emergencies. The LRN concept of operations is based on a system of safety and proficiency. | View Page |
| The Fear Factor in Bioterrorism As the term suggests, Terrorists excel at creating panic. What is so insidious about chemical and biological terrorism is that it involves agents that we can’t see. People don’t know how to react when they can’t see what is hurting them. There are several examples, from a commercial bus crash to someone who reported smelling gas in a school, where rumors that the incidents were caused by either biological or chemical terrorism triggered an “epidemic hysteria”. In both areas the local hospital’s emergency room was overwhelmed. In each of the incidents mentioned, State and Federal officials spent countless hours investigating and found no possible biohazard, but the panic was real. From these experiences we see more than ever that healthcare workers are not just the first line of defense in the event of an actual attack, they are who the public looks to for rationality and reliable information in an bioterrorism emergency. | View Page |
| Be Aware Vigilance on the part of all citizens is one of the best ways of preventing and detecting crime, including terrorist crime. By their nature, acts of terrorism happen quickly, often with very little warning before hand. But, by being alert and aware of your surroundings, you can react quickly to any situation that may arise. The following are things experts recommend that you can do to not only help prevent terrorist attacks, but to help you be better prepared in the event an attack does occur. | View Page |
| In the End Fortunately, the chance of being injured or killed in a terrorist incident is remote. While not minimizing the tragedy of September 11, every month more people die nation-wide from automobile accidents than died in the collapse of the World Trade Towers. However, while you should not become complacent and assume an “it can’t happen to me” attitude, you must not allow the threat of terrorism to prevent you and those you care about from living normal lives. The key to managing this dilemma is to: Remain alert Report suspicious activities to the authorities Have a thought through plan on how to react if an emergency arises regardless of the time of day or location | View Page |