Acts of Terrorism
The threat of terrorism has become an unfortunate way of life in America. Since the bombings of the World Trade Centers and those terrible acts committed on September 11, 2001, the fear of attack is on the minds of many.
Terrorism involves violent acts that create fear and alarm in people to intimidate them. The tools available to terrorists are many. Bombings of public buildings are one tool. Others include the release of anthrax through the U.S. mail system and the air circulation systems of buildings. In fact, terrorists have in their arsenal biological and chemical agents and nuclear weapons which they may choose to use against the American public at any time.
As part of the Carteret County Health Department Preparedness and Response Plan, information about biological and chemical agents and nuclear and radiological attacks has been used to develop plans for how we would respond in our county. These plans are coordinated with the State and the Federal Government.
In Carteret County, our residents have had experience in preparing for hurricanes, flooding and strong storms and many of these same actions and activities can be applied to how we would respond to an act of terrorism in our community.
Terrorism
Terrorism involves violent acts that create fear and alarm in people to intimidate them. The tools available to terrorists are many. Bombings of public buildings are one tool. Others include the release of anthrax through the U.S. mail system and the air circulation systems of buildings. In fact, terrorists have in their arsenal biological and chemical agents and nuclear weapons which they may choose to use against the American public at any time.
Plan Development
As part of the Carteret County Health Department Preparedness and Response Plan, information about biological and chemical agents and nuclear and radiological attacks has been used to develop plans for how we would respond in our county. These plans are coordinated with the State and the Federal Government.
Tips
In Carteret County, our residents have had experience in preparing for hurricanes, flooding and strong storms and many of these same actions and activities can be applied to how we would respond to an act of terrorism in our community.
- Be aware of your surroundings and unusual activity
- Learn the warning signals (sirens and evacuation routes) used during emergencies
- Trust your instincts and move away or leave a situation that makes your feel uncomfortable
- Make note of emergency exits where you work, shop or go to school.
- Assemble a disaster supply kit
- Develop a communications plan much like you would for a hurricane
- When traveling, do not accept packages from strangers or leave luggage unattended. Suspicious packages and strange devices should be reported to security personnel or the police