Acts of terrorism range from threats of
terrorism, assassinations, kidnappings,
hijackings, bomb scares and bombings,
cyber attacks (computer-based), to the
use of chemical, biological and nuclear
weapons.

In 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.

Preparing for terrorism:

Assemble a disaster supply kit at
home and learn first aid. Separate the
supplies you would take if you had to
evacuate quickly, and put them in a
backpack or container, ready to go.

Be prepared to do without services you
normally depend on that could be disrupted—
electricity, telephone, natural
gas, gasoline pumps, cash registers,
ATM machines, and internet transactions.

Be prepared to respond to official
instructions if a cyber attack triggers
other hazards, for example, general
evacuation, evacuation to shelter, or
shelter-in-place, because of hazardous
materials releases, nuclear power plant
incident, dam or flood control system
failures.

Review emergency evacuation procedures.

Know where emergency exits are
located.

Keep fire extinguishers in working
order. Know where they are located,
and learn how to use them.

Learn first aid. Contact the local chapter
of the American Red Cross for information
and training.

In case of a chemical or biological weapon
attack near you, authorities will
instruct you on the best course of action.
This may be to evacuate the area immediately,
to seek shelter at a designated location,
or to take immediate shelter where
you are and seal the premises. The best
way to protect yourself is to take emergency
preparedness measures ahead of
time and to get medical attention as soon
as possible, if needed.