• Having a disaster kit and a family plan prepared ahead of time is critical.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Know where emergency exits are located.
• Consider alternative exits.
• Think about how you would leave a crowded public area or get out of traffic if necessary.
• Do not be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or threatened.
• Listen to authorities
  • They will help you decide if you are in immediate danger.
• In the event of large scale terrorist attack (like on Sept. 11, 2001) public services such as electricity may be shut off.
• You may not be able to get to a store for food and medicine.
• You may have to evacuate.

In the event of a Terrorist Incident

• Remain calm and be patient.
• Follow the advice of local emergency officials.
• Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
• If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries.
  • Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people.
• 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 any other damaged utilities.
• Confine or secure your pets.
• Call your family contact. Do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.

Explosion

• Leave premises as quickly and calmly as possible.
• If items are falling from above seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk Exit as soon as possible.
• If you are trapped in debris cover your mouth with a piece of cloth. Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
  • Shout as a last resort.
  •  Shouting can result in inhalation of dangerous amounts of dust.
• Untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people in a collapsed building.
• Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

Fire

• Stay low to the floor and exit as quickly as possible.
• Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
• If door is hot do not open it. Seek an alternate escape route.
• Stay below the smoke at all times.

Biochemical agents

• Authorities will instruct you to either seek shelter and seal the premises or evacuate immediately.

Mail handling suspicious packages

• Leave suspicious letters or packages alone.
• Do not touch or move the items.
• Leave the vicinity immediately.
• Contact local law enforcement agency, by calling 9-1-1.
• Immediately collect contact information of all individuals that may have been exposed.
• All individuals who open or have contact with suspicious items should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
• Local law enforcement agencies will notify the Health Department to conduct the appropriate testing.
• Results of the test will be available in time to determine what if any treatment should be implemented.

The threat of terrorism Does Not Mean You Have to Change Your Life

Take precautions when traveling

• Don't accept packages from strangers.
• Don't leave your luggage unattended.