The Department of Homeland Security has initiated a new effort to prepare Americans and their families for a terrorist attack. The motto of the new Ready Campaign is: "Don't be afraid...be ready" and the campaign's official Web site outlines how people can do just that (http://www.ready.gov). It suggests tools and supplies to keep in the house, and offers information about how to stay informed and make a plan in the event of a terrorist attack.
Paul M. Maniscalco, MPA, EMT/P is a past president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, Chairman of the NAEMT National EMS Administrators Division and a former Deputy Chief Paramedic for New York City, one of the largest urban EMS systems in the world. Chief Maniscalco is also a member of the Gilmore National Terrorism Commission and sits as the Chairman of the State and Local Responders Panel. Below, he offers some commonsense advice to Americans about getting ready for terrorism.
What communication and evacuation systems are currently in place in the event of biological or chemical warfare?
Since September 11th there has been a higher level of training, and better access to equipment for detection, monitoring and identification of substances. The state and local governments have been coordinating their efforts with the federal government and with media outlets under the Emergency Broadcast Systems to be able to provide timely, accurate and effective information on what's taken place, what steps are being implemented to help the community and what steps the individual can take to protect themselves and their family members.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge recently announced a "Ready Campaign" to advise families on how they can protect themselves against terrorism. How can people prepare for a potential event?
I think what we hope to see is that US citizens take a few moments and review good emergency planning to protect their families. It's basically just good emergency preparedness that anyone would take to prepare themselves to protect their family in the case of an emergency, whether it's a blizzard, flood, hurricane or any other type of natural disaster. For instance, you're a single mother and you're at work and your child's at school. Do you have a plan for how you're going to get your child and how you're going to coordinate that effort, in the case of a terrorist attack?
There are resources available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security Web sitesthat walk people through the very basic steps on how to achieve that level of readiness for your family. You can find this information at: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
Obviously there are differences between the way a natural disaster occurs and a terrorist attack...
This isn't like a hurricane where people are saying, "It's coming; you got 36 hours to get prepared." There's not going to be any warning in the case of a terrorist attack.
So wherever you are, be aware of your surroundings. Don't be afraid to move or leave if you feel uncomfortable or if something just doesn't look right to you. When you go into a public place, make sure that you know where the emergency exits are. If you're working in a high-rise building and it's permitted, go down the emergency stairs one day so you know what they look like and you become familiar with the environment prior to an emergency. Acquaint yourself with how you're going to get out. Learn where the fire extinguishers, first aid kits and automatic defibrillators are and how to use them.
What advice do you have for a person who is standing in a crowded subway car where a chemical weapon is used?
If you recognize that you're in an environment-especially an enclosed environment-where you believe a chemical weapon has been used, you want to stay calm for a couple of reasons. When people panic, they start to breathe faster. If you breathe faster and you're in a toxic environment, you're inhaling more of the product. Second, you want to be able to think clearly about how you are going to get out of the place. You want to remove yourself as quick as possible from the environment.
Would you recommend that people avoid certain high-risk areas or circumstances-certain cities or modes of transportation?
If we start altering what we do and how we do it, then we've played into a disruption of our society, which in fact is what some of these terrorist organizations want to do. Many of them would like to see a disruption of our way of life. People need to be comforted in the fact that we have highly-trained professionals who serve the cities day in and day out-paramedics, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, public health and medical personnel.
What role does communication have in the event of a terrorist attack?
Communication is key. And the radio is going to become key. You've got to make sure you have a battery-operated radio with you at your home and place of business. You also need to make sure that you've got foodstuffs available if you must remain in place for an extended period of time if competent authorities give that direction. You should remain in that protected area until other directions are given. Things change quickly. So communication is the critical lynch pin in these matters.
There may be a directive given over the radio for people to remain in their home or their building, and there will be further direction to assist you and keep you safe. You may be told to turn off all your ventilation, or go into an internal room. The ability to have the most accurate information during a disaster is critical as environments and situations can and do change quickly.
The real key here is "be prepared... not afraid." Taking the necessary steps now will allow you to be better prepared to protect yourself and your family in time of any emergency.
CRITICAL PREPAREDNESS FACTORS FOR THE FAMILY
Create a Family Plan
You and your family may not be together when disaster strikes. Be prepared for a variety of situations. Plan for and identify two meeting locations for you and your family in the event of an emergency. Agree upon two to three ways you will contact each other during a disaster.
Deciding to Stay or Go
Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.
At Work and School
Schools, daycare providers, workplaces, apartment buildings and neighborhoods should all have site-specific emergency plans. Ask about plans at the places your family frequents.
In a Moving Vehicle
You may be in a moving vehicle at the time of an attack. Know what you can do.
In a High-Rise Building
You may be in a high-rise building at the time of an attack. Plan for the possibility.
FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
1. Determine what disasters could happen to you and your family
Contact your local emergency response professionals: EMS, Fire and Police. Remember to be prepared to take notes; have a pen and paper at the ready.
- Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
- Learn about your community's warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
- Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.
- Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
- Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children's school or daycare center and other places where your family spends time.
- Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster.
- Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and other hazards.
- Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.
- Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
- Pick two places to meet.
- Ask an out-of-state family member or friend to be your "family contact."
- Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
- Plan how to take care of your pets.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (EMS, fire, police, etc.).
- Teach children how and when to call 911 for emergency help.
- Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
- Purchase a battery-operated radio and flashlights, and keep a supply of replacement batteries on hand.
- Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
- Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. If you take prescription medication make sure that you keep on hand an appropriate supply for at least 72 hours.
- Take a first aid and CPR class.
- Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster.
- Quiz your kids every six months so they remember what to do.
- Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
- Replace stored water every three months and stored food every six months.
- Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
