Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property for
purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom. Terrorists often use threats to:
Create fear among the public. Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent
terrorism.
Get immediate publicity for their causes.
Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism; assassinations; kidnappings;
hijackings; bomb scares and bombings;
cyber attacks (computer-based); and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and
radiological weapons.
High-risk targets for acts of terrorism include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, large cities, and high-profile landmarks. Terrorists might also target large public gatherings, water and food supplies, utilities, and corporate centers. Further, terrorists are capable of spreading fear by sending explosives or chemical and biological agents through the mail. Within the immediate area of a terrorist event, you would need to rely on police, fire, and other officials for instructions. However, you can prepare in much the same way you would prepare for other crisis events.
The following are general guidelines:
Be aware of your surroundings.
Move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something does not seem right.
Take precautions when traveling.
Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior.
Do not accept packages from strangers.
Do not leave luggage unattended.
You should promptly report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices to the police or security personnel.
Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent.
Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency.
Be prepared to do without services you normally depend on—electricity,
telephone, natural gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers, ATMs, and Internet transactions.
Work with building owners to ensure the following items are located on each
floor of the building:
Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
Several flashlights and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Hard hats and dust masks.
Fluorescent tape to rope off dangerous areas.
Terrorists have frequently used explosive devices as one of their most common weapons. Terrorists do not have to look far to find out how to make explosive devices; the information is readily available in books and other information sources. The materials needed for an explosive device can be found in many places including variety, hardware, and auto supply stores. Explosive devices are highly portable using vehicles and humans as a means of transport. They are easily detonated from remote locations or by suicide bombers.
Conventional bombs have been used to damage and destroy financial, political, social, and religious institutions. Attacks have occurred in public places and on city streets with thousands of people around the world injured and killed.
Parcels that should make you suspicious:
Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
Have no return address, or have on that can’t be verified as legitimate.
Are marked with restrictive endorsements such as “Personal,” “Confidential,” or
“Do not X-ray.”
Have protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odors, or stains.
Show a city or state in the postmark that doesn’t match the return address.
Are of unusual weight given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
Are marked with threatening language.
Have inappropriate or unusual labeling.
Have excessive postage or packaging material, such as masking tape and string.
Have misspellings of common words.
Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise
outdated.
Have incorrect titles or titles without a name.
Are not addressed to a specific person.
Have hand-written or poorly typed addresses.