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A terrorist's primary objective is to create fear. With accurate information and basic emergency preparedness, you can fight back. Keep in mind that accidents can sometimes appear to be terrorist incidents and vice versa. Your response should be similar in either case.

KNOW THE FACTS AND BE RESPONSIBLE:

  • Know the facts of a situation and think critically. Confirm reports using a variety of reliable sources of information, such as the government or the media.
  • Do not spread rumors.
  • Do not accept packages from strangers and do not leave luggage of bags unattended in public areas.

BIOLOGICAL ATTACKS:

CHEMICAL ATTACKS:

  • The intentional release of hazardous materials constitutes an act of terrorism, however accidents involving hazardous materials may also occur. Your course of action should be the same in either case.
  • See HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & SPILLS for specific information on this type of event.

RADIOLOGICAL ATTACKS:

  • Radiological attacks occur when radioactive material is intentionally released.
  • Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD): An RDD is designed to scatter amounts of radioactive material over a wide area. The further the material disperses, the less harmful it is. In most cases, the amount of material is unlikely to be lethal.
  • "Dirty Bomb": A dirty bomb is a kind of RDD that combines conventional explosives and radioactive material. The explosive is intended to scatter the radioactive material. More damage and casualties may result from the explosion than from the radiation itself.
  • See RADIATION EXPOSURE for more information.

A PARCEL OR LETTER MAY BE CONSIDERED SUSPICIOUS WHEN IT HAS MORE THAN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Handwritten or poorly typed addresses, incorrect titles or titles with no name, or misspellings of common words.
  • Addressed to someone no longer with your organization or not addressed to a specific person.
  • Strange return address or no return address.
  • Marked with restrictions such as "Personal", "Confidential", or "Do Not X-ray".
  • Excessive postage.
  • Powdery substance on the outside.
  • Unusual weight given its size, lopsided or oddly shaped.
  • Unusual amount of tape on it.
  • Odors, discolorations or oily stains.